Application of additives from the radially outer direction during the manufacture of aerosol generating rods

Abstract

This disclosure relates to applying additives to a filling material formed into a rod incorporating a heatable susceptor. [Solution] The apparatus 1 for manufacturing an aerosol generating rod comprises a confluence device 5, a susceptor guide 19, and a conveyor system. The confluence device has a forming space 9 that confluences along the axial direction. The susceptor guide extends into the confluence device forming space and has an outlet opening 21 for a susceptor in the confluence device forming space. The conveyor system is configured to transport the filling material, preferably formed as a sheet, through the confluence device forming space in order to form the filling material into a rod into which the susceptor will be incorporated. The apparatus further comprises at least one additive supply line 29 having a dispensing opening that opens radially outward from the susceptor guide into the confluence device forming space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure specifically relates to an aerosol generating rod used in the manufacture of aerosol generating articles, specifically for consumer products.

Background Art

[0002] Specifically, the present disclosure relates to applying additives to a filling material formed into a rod incorporating a heatable susceptor.

[0003] To obtain a rod for use in the manufacture of aerosol generating articles, it is practical and known to reform a sheet material using a forming device. The rod may incorporate a susceptor therein to enable heat generation by subjecting the susceptor to an alternating magnetic field. This allows the rod to be heated from within and cause the release of aerosol from the rod.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] It may be desirable to be able to add one or more substances during the manufacture of an aerosol generating rod. For example, it may be desirable to add an aerosol generating substance or a flavoring substance to the rod. It may be desirable to provide an efficient method of modifying the properties of the rod by adding one or more substances. It may be desirable to provide a method of obtaining a preferred distribution of one or more substances within the rod.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for manufacturing an aerosol generating rod is provided. The apparatus comprises a confluence device, a susceptor guide, a conveyor system, and at least one additive supply line. The confluence device has a forming space that confluences along the axial direction. The susceptor guide extends into the forming space of the confluence device. The susceptor guide has an outlet opening for a susceptor in the forming space of the confluence device. The conveyor system is configured to transport the filler material through the forming space of the confluence device in order to form the filler material into a rod incorporating a susceptor. At least one additive supply line has a dispensing opening that opens radially outward from the susceptor guide into the forming space of the confluence device.

[0006] At least one additive supply line having a dispensing opening that opens into the forming space of the confluencer allows for the dispensing of additives into the forming space of the confluencer. Dispensing additives into the forming space of the confluencer may ensure that a high percentage (specifically, at least 95 percent), or all, of the dispensed additives are actually incorporated into the rod, thereby reducing additive waste and contamination of the equipment by the additives. The additives may be dispensed onto the filler material while the filler material is being formed in the confluencer, thus facilitating the distribution of additives across the filler material.

[0007] The final distribution of additives within the rod may be influenced, for example, by the precise selection of the location of the dispensing opening within the forming space of the confluence device.

[0008] Dispensing additives through a dispensing opening into the confluence formation space radially outward from the susceptor guide may facilitate obtaining a favorable distribution of additives within the rod. Specifically, it may facilitate uniform distribution of additives across the filler material. Because the dispensing opening opens radially outward from the susceptor guide into the confluence formation space, the amount of additive dispensed directly onto the susceptor rather than onto the filler material may be reduced. Dispensing additives through a dispensing opening radially outward from the susceptor guide may facilitate contact between the additive and the filler material when the filler material is formed into a rod incorporating the susceptor. Therefore, the filler material may function efficiently as a carrier for the additive. Direct contact between the additive and the susceptor may be undesirable in certain practical applications. For example, additives in direct contact with the susceptor may cause difficulty in regulating the heating function of the susceptor.

[0009] The confluence device may have one or more walls that are engaged with the filler material as the filler material is transported through the confluence device. The contact between one or more walls of the confluence device and the filler material may shape the filler material into a rod by, for example, bending, folding, or compressing a sheet material.

[0010] The space formed by the confluence may be at least partially defined or demarcated by one or more walls of the confluence.

[0011] The confluence device may be configured to gradually compress the filler material as it progresses axially through the forming space of the confluence device. The confluence device may also be configured to gradually compress the filler material around the susceptor as it progresses axially through the confluence device.

[0012] The confluence device may be a funnel-shaped confluence device.

[0013] The confluence may extend axially from a first end to a second end. The cross-sectional area of ​​the forming space of the confluence may decrease, specifically continuously or in a stepped manner, from the first end to the second end of the confluence in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axial direction. There may be one or more sections along the axial direction, and along this axial direction, the cross-sectional area of ​​the forming space in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axial direction remains constant or locally increases along the axial direction.

[0014] The diameter of the space formed by the confluence may be larger at the first end of the confluence than at the second end of the confluence. The diameter of the space formed by the confluence at the second end of the confluence, where the rod exits the confluence, may be, for example, 0.3 cm to 2 cm, or 0.3 cm to 1.5 cm, or 0.5 cm to 1 cm.

[0015] The susceptor guide, or one or more sections of the susceptor guide, may extend axially within the forming space of the confluence. The end section of the susceptor guide having an outlet opening may extend axially within the forming space of the confluence. The susceptor guide may extend axially within the forming space of the confluence.

[0016] The exit opening of the susceptor guide may open axially so that the susceptor moves away from the susceptor guide along its axial direction.

[0017] The conveyor system may be configured to transport the filling material through the forming space of the confluence device along a direction having at least axial components. The conveyor system may be configured to transport the filling material through the forming space of the confluence device at least essentially along the axial direction, or at least essentially parallel to the axial direction.

[0018] The conveyor system may be configured to transport the filling material from the first end of the confluence device to the second end of the confluence device, through the forming space of the confluence device.

[0019] The conveyor system may be configured to transport the filling material, which is formed as one or more sheets, through the forming space of a confluence device in order to form the filling material into a rod into which a susceptor is incorporated.

[0020] The conveyor system may be configured to transport susceptors. The conveyor system may be configured to transport susceptors through a susceptor guide. The conveyor system may be configured to transport susceptors from the outlet opening of the susceptor guide to the second end of the confluence device. The conveyor system may be configured to transport susceptors at least essentially along the axial direction, or at least essentially parallel to the axial direction.

[0021] At least one additive supply line may protrude into the forming space of the confluence device by no more than 20 mm, or 10 mm, or 5 mm, or 3 mm, or 2 mm, or 1 mm. Limiting the protrusion of the additive supply line into the forming space may reduce the risk of damage to the filler material due to contact with the additive supply line. Furthermore, limiting the protrusion of the additive supply line into the forming space may ensure that the additive is supplied to the radially outer region of the rod.

[0022] At least one additive supply line may be inclined axially at the dispensing opening compared to a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. Towards the dispensing opening, the additive supply line may extend in a direction having components along the axial direction. At least one additive supply line inclined axially at the dispensing opening may facilitate the acceptance and carrying of the additive by the packing material.

[0023] At least one additive supply line may comprise exactly one additive supply line. At least one additive supply line may comprise two or more additive supply lines. At least one additive supply line may comprise two additive supply lines, three additive supply lines, four additive supply lines, or five or more additive supply lines. At least one additive supply line may comprise a plurality of additive supply lines. Providing two or more additive supply lines may enable dispensing of additives at different locations within the formation space of the confluence device. Providing two or more additive supply lines may enable supplying different additives through different additive supply lines.

[0024] At least two dispensing openings of the additive supply lines may be disposed at different circumferential positions around the axial direction. The additives supplied through at least two of the additive supply lines may be dispensed from different angles around the confluence device. Dispensing the additives through at least two of the additive supply lines may facilitate distributing the additives across the filling material. The additives dispensed through the at least two dispensing openings of the additive supply lines may be dispensed from different sides of the susceptor guide or from different sides of the susceptor.

[0025] The dispensing openings of the additive supply lines may be symmetrically disposed with respect to the axial direction as a symmetry axis. The symmetrical disposition of the dispensing openings may facilitate uniform distribution of the additives.

[0026] The first dispensing opening of the first additive supply line and the second dispensing opening of the second additive supply line may be located on the opposing side with respect to the susceptor guide. Dispensing the additives from the opposing side of the susceptor guide may facilitate distribution of the additives across the portion of the filling material located on the opposing side of the susceptor guide.

[0027] The dispensing opening of the additive supply line may be upstream of the dispensing opening of another additive supply line with respect to the axial direction. Having dispensing openings of the additive supply line at different positions along the axial direction may also enable dispensing of the additive onto the filling material at different stages of the molding of the filling material.

[0028] The apparatus may further comprise a confluence device heating assembly configured to actively heat the heating region of the forming space. Actively heating the heating region of the forming space may reduce the viscosity of the additive within the heating region of the forming space, and thus facilitate the distribution of the additive across the filling material. The heating region may be at least partially downstream of the dispensing opening of at least one additive supply line with respect to the axial direction. In the heating region, the additive already dispensed into the forming space through the dispensing opening may be heated to reduce the viscosity of the additive, or to prevent an increase in the viscosity of the additive, or to reduce the rate of increase in the viscosity of the additive. The heating region may be at least partially located within the region where the forming space converges along the axial direction.

[0029] The apparatus may further comprise an additive supply line heating assembly configured to actively heat at least one additive supply line. Heating at least one additive supply line may heat the additive within the additive supply line and may also reduce the viscosity of the additive, thereby facilitating the supply of the additive through the additive supply line.

[0030] The apparatus may further include a cooling assembly configured to actively cool the rod. The cooling assembly may be configured to actively cool the rod downstream of at least one dispensing opening. The cooling assembly may be configured to cool the rod at a position along the axial direction where the molding of the filling material into the rod incorporating the susceptor is completed. The cooling assembly may cool the rod by cooling a cooling region. The cooling region may be part of the forming space of the confluence device. The cooling region may be at least partially inside the forming space of the confluence device. The cooling region may be at least partially downstream of the second end of the confluence device. The cooling assembly may be configured to cool the rod at or downstream of the second end of the confluence device. Cooling the rod may reduce the viscosity of the additives in the rod, for example, after the rod has been formed. Cooling the rod may cause the additives to solidify at that position in the rod by reducing the viscosity of the additives in the rod, at least to some extent.

[0031] The apparatus may further comprise a first additive storage unit and a second additive storage unit. The first additive storage unit may be connected to a first additive supply line. The second additive storage unit may be connected to a second additive supply line. The first and second additive supply lines may be any one of the additive supply lines described herein. Providing separate additive storage units for different additive supply lines may enable the separate supply of different types of additives.

[0032] The additive is preferably a thixotropic gel.

[0033] One or more rotating blades may be provided within the additive storage section. The rotation of the blades may reduce the viscosity of the additives within the storage section.

[0034] The additive storage section may be heated to reduce the viscosity of the additives within it.

[0035] The apparatus may further include a vibrating device configured to actively induce vibration of at least one part of the apparatus or the entire apparatus. Specifically, the vibrating device may be configured to induce vibration of at least one of the confluence device, susceptor guide, or additive supply line. Inducing vibration with the vibrating device may contribute to better distribution of additives in or into the rod. The frequency of the vibration may be, for example, in the range of 20 kHz to 400 kHz.

[0036] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing an aerosol generating rod is provided. A susceptor strip is conveyed axially through a forming space of a confluence device. A filler material is formed into a rod incorporating the susceptor strip by conveying the filler material axially through the forming space of the confluence device. An additive is dispensed onto the filler material through a first dispensing opening that opens into the forming space of the confluence device. At least a portion of the filler material is conveyed between the first dispensing opening and the susceptor strip, while simultaneously being conveyed through the forming space of the confluence device.

[0037] When at least a portion of the packing material passes between the first dispensing opening and the susceptor zone in the forming space of the confluence device, there may be a radial arrangement within the forming space from inside to outside: "susceptor zone-packing material-first dispensing opening". Because at least a portion of the packing material passes between the dispensing opening and the susceptor zone, dispensing additives onto the packing material is facilitated. In particular, the additives may be dispensed onto the packing material instead of onto the susceptor zone. Direct dispensing of additives onto the packing material may be facilitated, thus enabling the packing material to function efficiently as a carrier for the additives.

[0038] The susceptor band may be heatable by exposure to an electromagnetic field. The susceptor band may also be heatable by electromagnetic induction. The susceptor band may be made of a conductive material such as metal or carbon, or may contain a conductive material.

[0039] The additive may be a gel, or may contain a gel. Providing a gel may be advantageous for storage and transport, or during use, as it may reduce the risk of leakage from the filler material or aerosol generating rod.

[0040] Conveniently, the gel is solid at room temperature. In this context, "solid" means that the gel has a stable size and shape and does not flow. In this context, room temperature means 25 degrees Celsius.

[0041] Advantageously, gels include, for example, thermoreversible gels. This means that the gel becomes a fluid when heated to its melting temperature and then becomes a gel again at its gelation temperature. The gelation temperature may be above room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Atmospheric pressure means a pressure of 1 atmosphere. The melting temperature may be higher than the gelation temperature. The melting temperature of a gel may be above 50 degrees Celsius, or above 60 degrees Celsius, or above 70 degrees Celsius, or above 80 degrees Celsius. In this context, the melting temperature means the temperature at which the gel is no longer a solid and begins to flow.

[0042] Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the gel is a non-melting gel that does not melt during use of the susceptor.

[0043] The gel preferably has a viscosity of 50,000 to 10 Pascal seconds, more preferably 10,000 to 1,000 Pascal seconds.

[0044] The gel may contain a gelling agent. The gel may contain agar, agarose, sodium alginate, gellan gum, or a mixture thereof.

[0045] The gel may contain water. For example, the gel may be a hydrogel. Alternatively, the gel may be non-aqueous.

[0046] The additive may be dispensed through a first dispensing opening at a position along the axial direction in which the packing material is compressed toward the susceptor zone. Movement of the packing material due to compression toward the susceptor zone may improve the distribution of the additive across the packing material.

[0047] The method may include actively heating a heating region of the forming space. The heating region of the forming space may be at least partially downstream of the first dispensing opening in the axial direction. Actively heating the heating region may include heating the additive within the heating region. Heating the additive within the heating region may lead to a reduction in the viscosity of the additive compared to a situation where there is no heating within the heating region. A reduction in the viscosity of the additive may cause the additive to flow on the filler material, thereby increasing the distribution of the additive across the filler material.

[0048] The method may include actively heating a first additive supply line that supplies the additive to a first dispensing opening. Heating the first additive supply line may include heating the additive within the first additive supply line. Heating the first additive supply line may cause a reduction in the viscosity of the additive within the first additive supply line.

[0049] The method may include actively cooling the rod. The rod is preferably cooled at a position along the axial direction in which the molding of the rod is completed. The rod may be cooled by actively cooling a cooling region. The cooling region may be part of the forming space of the confluence. The cooling region may be at least partially inside the forming space of the confluence. The cooling region may be at least partially downstream of the second end of the confluence. Actively cooling the rod may increase the viscosity of the additive in the rod. Actively cooling the rod may prevent the additive from flowing within the rod. Actively cooling the rod may cause the additive to solidify in the appropriate place within the rod.

[0050] The filler material may be in the form of a sheet. The filler material may be a sheet material. The filler material may contain one or more sheets.

[0051] The sheet may have a thickness of less than 1 mm, or less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.2 mm, or less than 0.1 mm, or less than 0.05 mm. The sheet may have a thickness of at least 0.001 mm, or at least 0.01 mm, or at least 0.1 mm. Sheet materials with relatively thin thicknesses may be easier to form into rods. Sheet materials with relatively thick thicknesses may be less likely to tear or be damaged when dispensing liquid onto the sheet material.

[0052] The sheet may be a crimped sheet. The method may include crimping the sheet upstream of the confluence. Crimping the sheet may facilitate the formation of the sheet into a rod. When the sheet is crimped, it is likely to form folds during forming. The folds in the sheet may serve to receive additives.

[0053] Conveying the filler material through the forming space of the confluence device may include simultaneously conveying two or more webs of the filler material through the forming space. The two webs of the filler material may enter the forming space on opposing sides of the susceptor band. Using two or more webs of the filler material may facilitate the molding of the filler material into a rod incorporating the susceptor band.

[0054] The cross-section of the susceptor strip in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axial direction may be, for example, rectangular. The susceptor may be continuously transported through a susceptor guide. The susceptor may be continuously drawn from a supply roll.

[0055] The additive may be dispensed at a position within the confluence, where the maximum diameter of the rod is up to 400 percent, or up to 350 percent, or up to 300 percent, or up to 250 percent, or up to 200 percent, or up to 150 percent, of the final maximum diameter of the rod when it exits the confluence. If the additive is dispensed at a position within the confluence where the filler material has already been molded or compressed to a certain extent, efficient distribution of the additive across the filler material may be facilitated.

[0056] The rods may be formed essentially coaxially around the susceptor band.

[0057] The additive may be dispensed upstream of the outlet opening in the axial direction.

[0058] The additive may be dispensed at the location of the outlet opening in terms of its axial position.

[0059] The additive may be dispensed downstream of the outlet opening in the axial direction.

[0060] The method may include dispensing the additive through a second dispensing opening that opens into the forming space of the confluence device. Dispensing the additive through two or more dispensing openings allows for the dispensing of larger amounts of the additive. Dispensing the additive through two or more dispensing openings may allow for the dispensing of the additive at different locations. Dispensing the additive through two or more dispensing openings may facilitate the dispensing of different types of additives.

[0061] The first dispensing opening may be located upstream of the second dispensing opening in the axial direction. Additives may be dispensed through the first dispensing opening and through the second dispensing opening at different stages of packing material compression. Additives dispensed through the second dispensing opening (downstream of the first dispensing opening) may tend to have a maximum concentration at a radial position, exceeding the maximum concentration of additives dispensed through the first dispensing opening in the final rod.

[0062] The additive may be dispensed through a first dispensing opening on the first side of the susceptor band. The additive may also be dispensed through a second dispensing opening on the second side of the susceptor band. The first side of the susceptor band may be opposite to the second side of the susceptor band with respect to the axial direction.

[0063] The additive dispensed through the first dispensing opening may have a different composition from the additive dispensed through the second dispensing opening.

[0064] The additive may be dispensed through the first dispensing opening at a first pressure. The additive may be dispensed through the second dispensing opening at a second pressure. The first pressure may be different from the second pressure. The first pressure may be greater than the second pressure. The first pressure may be less than the second pressure. Dispensing the additive at different pressures may lead to different penetration depths of the additive into the rod.

[0065] The additive may contain one or more aerosol-generating substances. Suitable aerosol-generating substances may include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanediate and dimethyl tetradecanediate).

[0066] The additives may include one or more of the following: nicotine, flavoring agents, glycerin, and propylene glycol.

[0067] The filling material may contain one or more of the following: herbaceous material, fiber base material, cellulose base material, cotton base material, and foam. The filling material may be configured to generate aerosols when heated by a susceptor. Additive aerosol-generating substances may supplement the aerosol-generating substances in the filling material.

[0068] Alternatively, a neutral filler material may be used, and aerosol generation characteristics may be obtained by adding additives.

[0069] The filling material may absorb additives.

[0070] According to another aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating rod is provided. The aerosol generating rod comprises a susceptor, a sleeve of filler material, and an aerosol generating gel. The susceptor is heatable by exposing the susceptor to an alternating magnetic field. The sleeve of filler material surrounds the susceptor to form a rod into which the susceptor is incorporated. The aerosol generating gel is provided within the sleeve of filler material without direct contact between the aerosol generating gel and the susceptor.

[0071] Heating the susceptor may lead to the release of aerosols due to the heating of the aerosol-generating gel. Since the rod contains the aerosol-generating gel, the filler material itself does not need to contain an aerosol-generating substance (although it is still possible). If the filler material itself contains an aerosol-generating substance, the aerosols generated by the aerosol-generating gel when the susceptor is heated may supplement the aerosols generated by the filler material. Alternatively, a neutral filler material may be used, and any desired aerosol generation may also be achieved by the aerosol-generating gel.

[0072] The absence of direct contact between the aerosol-generating gel and the susceptor may facilitate controlled heating of the susceptor. Furthermore, aerosol generation by heating the gel via heating the susceptor, without direct contact between the aerosol-generating gel and the susceptor, may be easier to control.

[0073] The filling material may be a sheet material, or may be formed from a sheet material.

[0074] The filler material may be a crimped sheet material. When the filler material is crimped, it may more easily form folds or other structures suitable for receiving and holding the aerosol-generating gel.

[0075] The filling material may be a reconstituted herbaceous material base, a fiber base, a cellulose base, a cotton base, or a foam base.

[0076] The susceptor may be provided at least essentially in the center within the rod. The susceptor may be made of a conductive material such as metal or carbon, or may contain a conductive material. The susceptor may also be a susceptor strip.

[0077] As shown, according to different embodiments, the present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing an aerosol generating rod, a method for manufacturing an aerosol generating rod, and an aerosol generating rod. The apparatus may be suitable, adapted, or configured for carrying out the method. The apparatus or method may be suitable, adapted, or configured for manufacturing an aerosol generating rod. Features described in one embodiment may be transferred to or combined with any of the other embodiments.

[0078] The term "aerosol generation" is understood herein to describe the ability of an item or substance to release volatile compounds into an airflow, preferably when the item or substance is heated.

[0079] With respect to a converging device, the term "funnel-shaped" means that the cross-sectional area of ​​the converging device's forming space in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axial direction decreases along the conveying direction. This decrease may be continuous, stepwise, or both.

[0080] The space formed by the confluence device may, but is not required to be, be completely enclosed circumferentially by the walls of the confluence device around the direction of transport.

[0081] The term "herbaceous material" is used to mean material derived from herbaceous plants. Herbaceous plants are aromatic plants whose leaves or other parts are used for medicinal, culinary, or aromatic purposes, and which have the ability to release flavor into aerosols produced by aerosol-generating articles.

[0082] The diameter of a rod at a specific position along the axial direction refers to the maximum extension of the rod at a specific position in any direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0083] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. One or more features of these embodiments may be combined with one or more features of other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.

[0084] Example 1: Apparatus for manufacturing an aerosol generating rod, A confluence device having a forming space that merges along the axial direction, A susceptor guide extending into the forming space of the confluence device and having an outlet opening for a susceptor within the forming space of the confluence device, A conveyor system configured to transport the filling material, preferably formed as a sheet, through the forming space of a confluence device in order to form the filling material into a rod into which a susceptor is incorporated, The apparatus comprises at least one additive supply line having a dispensing opening that opens radially outward from the susceptor guide into the forming space of the confluence device. Example 2: The apparatus according to Example 1, wherein at least one additive supply line protrudes into the forming space of the confluence device by only 20 mm or less, or 10 mm or less, or 5 mm or less, or 3 mm or less, or 2 mm or less, or 1 mm or less. Example 3: The apparatus according to Example 1 or Example 2, wherein at least one additive supply line is inclined axially at the dispensing opening compared to a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. Example 4: The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein at least two dispensing openings of the additive supply line are arranged at different circumferential positions around the axial direction. Example 5: The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the dispensing openings of the additive supply line are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axial direction as the axis of symmetry. Example 6: The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the first dispensing opening of the first additive supply line and the second dispensing opening of the second additive supply line are located on the side opposite to the susceptor guide. Example 7: The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the dispensing opening of the additive supply line is located upstream of the dispensing opening of another additive supply line in the axial direction. Example 8: The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, further comprising a confluence heating assembly configured to actively heat a heating region of a forming space, wherein the heating region is at least partially downstream in the axial direction of a dispensing opening of at least one additive supply line. Example 9: The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, further comprising an additive supply line heating assembly configured to actively heat at least one additive supply line. Example 10: The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, further comprising a cooling assembly configured to actively cool the rod by actively cooling the cooling region of the forming space. Example 11: The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, further comprising a first additive storage section and a second additive storage section, wherein the first additive storage section is connected to a first additive supply line and the second additive storage section is connected to a second additive supply line. Example 12: A method for manufacturing an aerosol generating rod, A process of transporting the susceptor belt through the formation space of the confluence device along the axial direction, A process of forming a rod into which a susceptor band is incorporated, by conveying the filling material through the forming space of a confluence device along the axial direction, preferably in the form of a sheet, The process includes dispensing an additive onto a packing material through a first dispensing opening that opens into the forming space of the confluence device, A method in which at least a portion of the packing material is transported through the space between the first dispensing opening and the susceptor zone, and at the same time through the forming space of the confluence device. Example 13: The method according to Example 12, wherein the additive includes a gel. Example 14: The method according to Example 12 or Example 13, wherein the additive is dispensed through a first dispensing opening at an axial position where the filler material is compressed toward the susceptor band. Example 15: The method according to any one of Examples 12 to 14, further comprising actively heating the heating region of the forming space at least partially downstream of the first dispensing opening in the axial direction. Example 16: The method according to any one of Examples 12 to 15, further comprising actively heating a first additive supply line that supplies an additive to a first dispensing opening. Example 17: The method according to any one of Examples 12 to 16, preferably further comprising actively cooling the rod at a position along the axial direction where the molding of the rod is completed, specifically by cooling the cooling region of the forming space. Example 18: The method according to any one of Examples 12 to 17, wherein conveying the filler material through the forming space of the confluence device includes simultaneously conveying two filler material webs through the forming space, the two filler material webs preferably entering the forming space on opposing sides of the susceptor band. Example 19: The method according to any one of Examples 12 to 18, further comprising dispensing an additive through a second dispensing opening that opens into the forming space of the confluence device. Example 20: The method according to Example 19, wherein the first dispensing opening is located upstream of the second dispensing opening in the axial direction. Example 21: The method according to Example 19 or Example 20, wherein the additive is dispensed through a first dispensing opening on the first side of the susceptor band, and the additive is also dispensed through a second dispensing opening on the second side of the susceptor band. Example 22: The method according to any one of Examples 19 to 21, wherein the additive dispensed through the first dispensing opening has a different composition from the additive dispensed through the second dispensing opening. Example 23: The method according to any one of Examples 19 to 22, wherein the additive is dispensed through a first dispensing opening at a first pressure, and the additive is dispensed through a second dispensing opening at a second pressure different from the first pressure. Example 24: The method according to any one of Examples 12 to 23, wherein the additive contains one or more aerosol-generating substances. Example 25: The method according to any one of Examples 12 to 24, wherein the additive comprises one or more of nicotine, flavoring agents, glycerin, and propylene glycol. Example 26: The method according to any one of Examples 12 to 25, wherein the filling material comprises one or more of the following: herbaceous material, fiber base material, cellulose base material, cotton base material, and foam. Example 27: Aerosol generating rod, A susceptor that can be heated by exposing the susceptor to an alternating magnetic field, A sleeve of filling material that surrounds a susceptor and forms a rod into which the susceptor is incorporated, An aerosol generating rod comprising an aerosol generating gel provided within a sleeve of filling material, wherein there is no direct contact between the aerosol generating gel and the susceptor. Example 28: The aerosol generating rod according to Example 27, wherein the filling material is a crimped sheet material. Example 29: An aerosol generating rod according to Example 27 or Example 28, wherein the filling material is a sheet substrate, fiber substrate, cellulose substrate, cotton substrate, or foam substrate made of reconstituted herbaceous material. Example 30: An aerosol generating rod according to any one of Examples 27 to 29, wherein the filling material is a sheet material. Example 31: The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, further comprising a vibrating device configured to actively induce vibration of at least a portion of the apparatus, specifically, vibration of at least one of the confluence device, susceptor guide, and additive supply line. Example 32: The method according to any one of Examples 12 to 26, further comprising actively inducing vibration of at least a portion of the apparatus so as to induce vibration of at least one of the confluence device, susceptor guide, and additive supply line. Example 33: Apparatus for manufacturing a rod that generates a nicotine-containing aerosol, comprising any apparatus from Examples 1 to 11. Example 34: The method according to Example 13, wherein the gel contains nicotine.

[0085] Here, the examples and embodiments will be further described with reference to the following figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0086] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an apparatus for manufacturing an aerosol generating rod according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating rod according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an apparatus for manufacturing an aerosol generating rod according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0087] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an apparatus 1 for manufacturing an aerosol generating rod 3 according to one embodiment. The apparatus 1 includes a confluence device 5. The confluence device 5 is funnel-shaped and has walls 7 that define a forming space 9 within the confluence device for manufacturing the aerosol generating rod 3.

[0088] The confluence device 5 comprises a first end 9 and a second end 11. The conveyor system 13, schematically shown in Figure 1, transports the filling material 15 from the first end 9 of the confluence device 5 to the second end 11 of the confluence device 5 along the axial direction 17 through the forming space 9 of the confluence device 5, for example by pulling.

[0089] The susceptor guide 19 extends along the axial direction 17 into the forming space 9 of the confluence device 5 and has an outlet opening 21 within the forming space 9. The conveyor system 13 is configured to transport the susceptor 23 through the forming space 9 of the confluence device 5 along the axial direction 17. The susceptor 23 is guided by the susceptor guide 19 and exits the susceptor guide 19 in the forming space 9 through the outlet opening 21.

[0090] The susceptor 23 is drawn from the supply string 25 as a susceptor band. The susceptor 23 is configured to be heated by exposure to an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor 23 may also be heated by induction heating. The susceptor 23 may be made of a conductive material such as metal or carbon, or may contain a conductive material.

[0091] In a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axial direction 17, the cross-sectional area of ​​the forming space 9 decreases along the axial direction 17. As the filling material 15 is conveyed through the confluence device 5, the filling material 15 engages with the wall 7 of the confluence device 5 from inside the confluence device 5, thereby forming a rod 3 into which the susceptor 23 is incorporated.

[0092] In the illustrated embodiment, the filling material 15 is conveyed as two material sheets through the forming space 9 of the confluence device 5. The two sheets are conveyed through the forming space 9 radially outward along the axial direction 17 of the susceptor guide 19. In the illustrated embodiment, the sheets enter the forming space 9 of the confluence device 5 on opposing sides of the susceptor guide 19. Within the forming space 9, the sheets are formed into a rod 3 that incorporates the susceptor 23 by engaging with the wall 7 of the confluence device 5 and being compressed against the susceptor 23 from the radially outward direction. Forming the sheets into a rod 3 may include one or more of folding, bending, and compressing the sheets. Preferably, the sheets are crimped before entering the confluence device 5 to facilitate folding, bending, and compressing of the sheets.

[0093] As shown in Figure 1, the additive storage unit 27 is connected to the interior of the confluence device 5 by the additive supply line 29. The additive storage unit 27 stores additives, specifically aerosol-generating additives. The additives are preferably gels or contain gels. Specifically, the additives may be thixotropic gels. The additive storage unit 27 may be equipped with viscosity adjustment means 28 for reducing the viscosity of the additives in the additive storage unit 27 in order to facilitate the transfer of additives through the additive supply line 29. The viscosity adjustment means 28 may be equipped with, for example, one or more rotating blades or heaters.

[0094] The additive supply line 29 has a dispensing opening 31 that opens into the forming space 9 of the confluence device 5. The susceptor 23 and the filling material 15 are transported through the forming space 9 of the confluence device 5, while the additives are supplied into the forming space 9 through the additive supply line 29 by pumping the additives through the additive supply line 29 using a pump 33. The dispensing opening 31 of the additive supply line 29 opens into the forming space 9 radially outward from the susceptor guide 19. As it is transported through the forming space 9, at least a portion of the filling material 15 passes between the dispensing opening 31 of the additive supply line 29 and the susceptor 23.

[0095] In the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing opening 31 is essentially coplanar with the inner surface of the wall 7 of the confluence device 5. The additive supply line 29 does not protrude into the forming space 9 of the confluence device 5. In the alternative case where the additive supply line 29 protrudes radially into the forming space 9 of the confluence device 5, it is preferable that the length of the additive supply line 29 protruding into the forming space 9 is small (for example, 20 millimeters or less).

[0096] When the additive is dispensed through the dispensing opening 31 into the forming space 9 in the confluence device 5, the additive is supplied to the packing material 15 from the radially outward direction. The packing material 15 may act as a carrier for the additive. The additive may be carried together with the packing material 15 along the axial direction 17.

[0097] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the rod 3 after manufacturing. As shown, the susceptor 23 extends centrally within the rod 3 along the axial direction 17 (within the drawing plane of Figure 2). The filler material 15, shown in Figure 2 as a folded sheet and a bent sheet, forms a sleeve 35 that circumferentially surrounds the susceptor 23. As shown, the filler material 15 forms bends and pockets in which additives may be present.

[0098] On the radially outer side of the sleeve 35, the rod 3 is provided with a wrapper 37 wound around the sleeve 35 after or while exiting the confluence device 5. The wrapper 37 may be formed from, for example, a sheet of paper.

[0099] As the additive is dispensed onto the packing material 15 from the radially outward direction, the rod 3 may be manufactured without direct contact between the additive and the susceptor 23.

[0100] The apparatus 1 schematically shown in Figure 1 comprises only one additive storage unit 27 and one additive supply line 29. Figure 3 schematically illustrates an alternative embodiment having two or more additive storage units 27 and two or more additive supply lines 29. In detail, the embodiment in Figure 3 shows four additive storage units 27 and four corresponding additive supply lines 29. Aside from the presence of three additional additive storage units 27, corresponding additional additive supply lines 29, and a pump 33, the functional principle and general structure of the apparatus 1 shown in Figure 3 are similar to those of the apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1.

[0101] In Figure 3, each of the additive supply lines 29 opens into the forming space 9 of the confluence device 5 via a corresponding dispensing opening 31 through which additives from the corresponding additive storage section 27 pass and are dispensed into the forming space 9. The dispensing openings 31 open into the forming space 9 radially outward from the susceptor guide 19, and at least a portion of the filling material 15 passes between the dispensing openings 31 and the susceptor 23 when it is transported through the confluence device 5.

[0102] In Figure 3, there are two pairs of additive supply lines 29 and corresponding additive storage units 27. The first pair of additive supply lines 29 is shown above the susceptor guide 19 in Figure 3, and the other pair of additive supply lines 29 is shown below the susceptor guide 19 in Figure 3. The dispensing openings 31 of the first pair of supply lines 29 and the dispensing openings 31 of the second pair of supply lines 29 are provided on opposing sides of the susceptor 23 and susceptor guide 19. The dispensing openings 31 of the additive supply lines 29 shown in Figure 3 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axial direction 17 as the axis of symmetry. The same pair of dispensing openings 31 of the additive supply lines 29 are arranged front to back along the axial direction 17.

[0103] Having multiple additive supply lines 29 with corresponding dispensing openings 31 allows for dispensing additives into the forming space 9 at different locations to achieve the desired distribution of additives on the filling material 15. Having multiple additive storage units 27 with corresponding additive supply lines 29 allows for dispensing different types of additives through different dispensing openings 31. For example, all four additive storage units in Figure 3 may hold different types of additives, or only two or three additive storage units may hold different types of additives. Alternatively, all four additive storage units 27 may hold the same type of additive.

[0104] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the first pair of additive supply lines 29 (the upper pair in Figure 3) is provided with an additive supply line heating assembly 41 configured to actively heat the additive supply lines 29 in order to reduce the viscosity of the additive supplied by the additive supply lines 29. Furthermore, according to the embodiment shown in Figure 3, a confluencer heating assembly 43 is provided to actively heat a heating region 45 of the forming space 9. The heating region 45 is at least partially downstream of at least one dispensing opening 29 with respect to the axial direction 17. By heating the heating region 45 in the forming space 9, the viscosity of the additive may be kept low even after the additive has left the additive supply lines 29. This may facilitate the distribution of the additive across the filler material 15.

[0105] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, a cooling assembly 47 is provided to actively cool the rod 3 downstream of the heating region 45. The cooling assembly 47 may cool the rod 3 to increase the viscosity of the additive and to essentially solidify the distribution of the additive within the sleeve 35.

[0106] Figure 3 also illustrates the wrapping assembly 51 downstream of the second end 11 of the confluence device 5. The wrapping assembly 51 is configured to wrap the rod 3 with a wrapper 37, such as the paper wrapper 37 shown in Figure 2.

[0107] Although the additive supply line heating assembly 41, the confluence device heating assembly 43, and the cooling assembly 47 are shown only in Figure 3, one or more of these features may be similarly included in the apparatus 1 of Figure 1.

[0108] Furthermore, this specification includes at least the following: (1) Apparatus for manufacturing an aerosol generating rod, A confluence device having a forming space that merges along the axial direction, A susceptor guide extending into the forming space of the confluence device and having an outlet opening for a susceptor within the forming space of the confluence device, A conveyor system configured to transport the filling material, preferably formed as a sheet, through the forming space of the confluence device in order to form the filling material into a rod into which the susceptor is incorporated, The apparatus comprises at least one additive supply line having a dispensing opening that opens into the forming space of the confluence device, located radially outward from the susceptor guide. (2) The apparatus according to (1), wherein at least one additive supply line protrudes into the forming space of the confluence device by only 20 mm or less, or 10 mm or less, or 5 mm or less, or 3 mm or less, or 2 mm or less, or 1 mm or less. (3) The apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein at least one additive supply line is inclined in the axial direction at the dispensing opening compared to the direction perpendicular to the axial direction. (4) The apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein at least two of the additive supply lines are arranged at different circumferential positions around the axial direction. (5) The apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the first dispensing opening of the first additive supply line and the second dispensing opening of the second additive supply line are located on the side opposite to the susceptor guide. (6) The apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the dispensing opening of the additive supply line is located upstream of the dispensing opening of another additive supply line in the axial direction. (7) The apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6), further comprising a first additive storage section and a second additive storage section, wherein the first additive storage section is connected to a first additive supply line and the second additive storage section is connected to a second additive supply line. (8) A method for manufacturing an aerosol generating rod, A process of transporting the susceptor belt through the formation space of the confluence device along the axial direction, A step of forming the filling material, preferably in the form of a sheet, into a rod incorporating the susceptor strip by conveying the filling material through the forming space of the confluence device along the axial direction, The process includes dispensing an additive onto the filling material through a first dispensing opening that opens into the forming space of the confluence device, A method wherein at least a portion of the filling material is transported between the first dispensing opening and the susceptor zone, and at the same time through the forming space of the confluence device. (9) The method according to (8), further comprising actively heating the heating region of the forming space at least partially downstream of the first dispensing opening with respect to the axial direction. (10) Preferably, the method of (8) or (9) further comprises actively cooling the rod at a position along the axial direction where the molding of the rod is completed, specifically by cooling the cooling region of the forming space. (11) The method according to any one of (8) to (10), wherein transporting the filler material through the forming space of the confluence device includes transporting two webs of filler material simultaneously through the forming space, wherein the two webs of filler material preferably enter the forming space on opposing sides of the susceptor band. (12) The method according to any one of (8) to (11), wherein the additive comprises one or more of nicotine, flavoring agents, glycerin, and propylene glycol. (13) The method according to any one of (8) to (12), wherein the filling material comprises one or more of the following: herbaceous material, fiber base material, cellulose base material, cotton base material, and foam. (14) Aerosol generating rod, A susceptor that can be heated by exposing the susceptor to an alternating magnetic field, A sleeve of filling material, which surrounds the susceptor and forms a rod into which the susceptor is incorporated; an aerosol generating rod comprising an aerosol generating gel provided within the sleeve of the filling material, wherein there is no direct contact between the aerosol generating gel and the susceptor. (15) The aerosol generating rod according to (14), wherein the filling material is formed from a sheet substrate, fiber substrate, cellulose substrate, cotton substrate, or foam substrate of reconstituted herbaceous material.

Claims

1. Apparatus for manufacturing an aerosol generating rod, A confluence device having a forming space that merges along the axial direction, A susceptor guide extending into the forming space of the confluence device and having an outlet opening for a susceptor within the forming space of the confluence device, A conveyor system configured to transport the filling material, preferably formed as a sheet, through the forming space of the confluence device in order to form the filling material into a rod into which the susceptor is incorporated, The apparatus comprises at least one additive supply line having a dispensing opening that opens into the forming space of the confluence device, located radially outward from the susceptor guide.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one additive supply line protrudes into the forming space of the confluence device by only 20 mm or less, or 10 mm or less, or 5 mm or less, or 3 mm or less, or 2 mm or less, or 1 mm or less.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one additive supply line is inclined in the axial direction at the dispensing opening compared to the direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least two of the dispensing openings of the additive supply line are arranged at different circumferential positions around the axial direction.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first dispensing opening of the first additive supply line and the second dispensing opening of the second additive supply line are located on the side opposite to the susceptor guide.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the dispensing opening of the additive supply line is located upstream of the dispensing opening of another additive supply line in the axial direction.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a first additive storage section and a second additive storage section, wherein the first additive storage section is connected to a first additive supply line and the second additive storage section is connected to a second additive supply line.

8. A method for manufacturing an aerosol generating rod, A process of transporting the susceptor belt through the formation space of the confluence device along the axial direction, A step of forming the filling material, preferably in the form of a sheet, into a rod incorporating the susceptor strip by conveying the filling material through the forming space of the confluence device along the axial direction, The process includes dispensing an additive onto the filling material through a first dispensing opening that opens into the forming space of the confluence device, A method wherein at least a portion of the filling material is transported between the first dispensing opening and the susceptor zone, and at the same time through the forming space of the confluence device.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising actively heating the heating region of the forming space at least partially downstream of the first dispensing opening with respect to the axial direction.

10. Preferably, the method according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising actively cooling the rod at a position along the axial direction where the molding of the rod is completed, specifically by cooling the cooling region of the forming space.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein transporting the filler material through the forming space of the confluence device includes simultaneously transporting two webs of filler material through the forming space, the webs of the two filler material preferably enter the forming space on opposing sides of the susceptor band.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the additive comprises one or more of nicotine, flavoring agents, glycerin, and propylene glycol.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the filling material comprises one or more of the following: herbaceous material, fiber base material, cellulose base material, cotton base material, and foam.

14. Aerosol generating rod, A susceptor that can be heated by exposing the susceptor to an alternating magnetic field, A sleeve of filling material, which surrounds the susceptor and forms a rod into which the susceptor is incorporated; an aerosol generating rod comprising an aerosol generating gel provided within the sleeve of the filling material, wherein there is no direct contact between the aerosol generating gel and the susceptor.

15. The aerosol generating rod according to claim 14, wherein the filling material is formed from a sheet substrate, fiber substrate, cellulose substrate, cotton substrate, or foam substrate of reconstituted herbaceous material.

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