System and method for applying additives to aerosol generating substrates for aerosol generating articles.
The system addresses uneven additive distribution and contamination issues by using a holder to guide solid additives by friction, ensuring precise and efficient application on aerosol generating substrates, reducing production downtime and improving user experience.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-01-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for applying additives to aerosol generating substrates, such as flavor additives, often result in uneven distribution, contamination of machinery, and inefficiencies due to volatilization and crystallization, leading to production issues and waste.
A system and method using a holder to guide solid additives along a specific direction by frictional force, allowing precise application and reducing exposure time to ambient air, thereby minimizing contamination and improving accuracy.
The system achieves precise and efficient application of additives with reduced contamination and production downtime, enhancing the user experience by ensuring consistent additive distribution on aerosol generating articles.
Smart Images
Figure 2026509970000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system for applying an additive to an aerosol generating substrate for an aerosol generating article and a method of manufacturing an aerosol generating substrate of an aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating substrate containing the additive.
Background Art
[0002] Aerosol generating articles refer not only to filtered cigarettes and other smoking articles in which a substance burns to form smoke, but also to articles that generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating substrate without requiring combustion of the aerosol generating substrate. Such articles are often referred to as "heat-not-burn" aerosol generating articles because the aerosol generating substrate is heated to a relatively low temperature to induce the formation of an aerosol, but combustion of the materials contained within the aerosol generating substrate is prevented.
[0003] There are various types of flavored aerosol generating articles. Flavoring an aerosol generating article can be achieved by incorporating a flavor additive into the aerosol generating substrate. It is known to apply an additive, specifically a flavor additive, onto an aerosol generating substrate for an aerosol generating article using a spray nozzle. The spray nozzle generates a spray of additive droplets. The additive droplets are ejected and deposited onto the aerosol generating substrate.
[0004] The application of an additive, specifically a flavor additive, can affect both the smoking experience and the appearance of the aerosol generating article, and is thus an important requirement for the user experience.
Summary of the Invention
[0005] In a first aspect of the present invention, a device is provided for applying an additive to an aerosol generating substrate for an aerosol generating article. Optionally, the device includes a conveyor configured to transport the aerosol generating substrate in a transport direction. The device includes an applicator. The applicator includes a holder. The holder is adapted to receive an additive along the direction of application. The holder is adapted to guide the additive along the direction of application. In particular, the holder is adapted to receive a solid additive along the direction of application. More specifically, the holder is adapted to guide a solid additive along the direction of application.
[0006] The device allows the additive to be applied to the aerosol generating substrate by the additive body. The additive body may form a single block. The holder may be adapted to guide the single block in the direction of application.
[0007] The direction of application may be perpendicular to the direction of transport. This allows the frictional force applied to the additive by the substrate to be perpendicular to the direction of application. Therefore, the influence of the frictional force on the movement of the additive in the direction of application is reduced.
[0008] The direction of application may be inclined with respect to the conveying direction. Therefore, the contact surface area of the additive on the aerosol generating substrate may increase.
[0009] The direction of application may be a straight line or along a curve, and may have a certain curvature in particular.
[0010] The device allows for the application of an additive onto an aerosol-generating substrate by frictional force, which is caused by contact between the additive and the aerosol-generating substrate. The applicator allows for localized application of the additive from the additive body onto the aerosol-generating substrate. The position of the applicator relative to the aerosol-generating substrate allows for application of the additive to specific areas on the aerosol-generating substrate. The additive may be applied to the aerosol-generating substrate in such a way that the areas containing the additive are separated from other areas of the aerosol-generating substrate that lack the additive. Thus, more precise application is possible compared to spraying. The width of the additive applied onto the aerosol-generating substrate can be controlled more precisely than with prior art spraying, because the application does not depend on the number of droplets per unit volume and the droplet size distribution. The application of the additive to the aerosol-generating substrate by the additive body improves the accuracy of the amount of additive per article, thereby preventing discrepancies in the amount that the user may feel during the smoking experience.
[0011] Compared to spray application, applying additives from additive bodies allows for a reduction in the exposure time of the additives to ambient air. For example, if the additive is a flavor compound containing menthol, reducing exposure to ambient air can avoid the volatilization and crystallization of menthol. Furthermore, compared to spray application, application by additive bodies reduces the diffusion of additive particles in the air. At least 90 percent, more specifically 98 percent, of the weight of a single additive body may be applied directly to the aerosol-generating substrate. In contrast, with prior art spray application, the majority of the additive does not reach the substrate and contaminates adjacent machinery. Therefore, contamination of components adjacent to the aerosol-generating substrate can be reduced or prevented by the present invention. Thus, applying additives by additive bodies received in an applicator holder can reduce the required cleaning effort. This can reduce the occurrence of production stoppages for maintenance purposes, potentially improving the effectiveness of the production line. This can also prevent additive waste. Clogging of the nozzles used to spray the additive can be avoided, especially if the additive contains menthol. The system may not have a pump for the additive, specifically downstream of the storage unit. In conventional systems, the pumps required for spraying can become clogged, specifically due to the crystallization of menthol.
[0012] The holder may include at least one guide surface extending in a direction parallel to the direction of application. At least one guide surface may have a textured surface. At least one guide surface may be provided with at least one ridge or projection extending in the direction of application. This can provide greater friction between the additive and the guide surface. This can help guide the additive along the direction of application. This can allow for adjustment of the displacement motion of the additive along the direction of application.
[0013] The holder may have a shape that is at least partially complementary to the cross-section of the additive. The holder may comprise a first portion having a shape complementary to the cross-section of the additive, and at least a second portion having a cross-section larger than the cross-section of the additive and perpendicular to the direction of application. At least the second portion may have a cross-section with dimensions that change in a manner decreasing along the direction of application. The minimum cross-section of at least the second portion may have a shape complementary to the cross-section of the additive. Varying the cross-section of the holder makes it possible to selectively define the area in surface contact between the additive and the holder. This makes it possible to adjust the frictional resistance between the additive and the holder.
[0014] The apparatus may include a one-piece, integrally formed holder. The holder may be defined by its height, such that the height of the holder is parallel to the direction of application. The height of the holder may be less than the height of the additive body to be received in the holder. The holder may be defined by side walls. The side walls may be defined by the height of the holder. The side walls may be mechanically connected to each other. Alternatively, or in combination, at least two side walls may be partially separated from another side wall by a gap. A partial gap area may be provided between two adjacent side walls of the holder. The surface of the additive body does not have to be in contact with any surface of the holder within the partial gap area defined between the two adjacent side walls. The partial gap area between two adjacent side walls may allow for a reduction in frictional resistance. This may facilitate the sliding of the additive body within the holder along the direction of application.
[0015] The side walls of the holder may define a hollow passage for receiving an additive. The hollow passage may extend along the height of the holder from a first open end to a second open end. The first open end may provide an opening for inserting the additive into the holder. The first open end may also provide access to a pressing element. The pressing element may be configured to push the additive received in the holder in the direction of application. The second open end may allow the additive to partially protrude beyond the second open end of the holder along the direction of application. The portion of the additive protruding beyond the second open end may be applied onto the aerosol generating substrate, particularly by friction.
[0016] At least one of the side walls of the holder may be provided with a recess or through-opening. This allows for a reduction in the weight of the structure compared to a structure having only a solid wall. The through-opening further allows for visual access to the inside of the holder. Thus, visual inspection of the additive material received inside the holder is possible. The holder may be made of a transparent or translucent material. A transparent material may allow viewing through the holder. The holder may be made by plastic injection molding. The holder may be made from stainless steel. The holder may be made from carbon fiber woven composite material. The holder may be made from a non-ferromagnetic material.
[0017] The holder may be adapted to guide the center of mass of the additive in the direction of application. In particular, the holder may be adapted to guide the center of mass of a single block forming the additive. The center of mass may be a point within the additive where the total mass of the additive can be considered to be concentrated. During application, if the additive is applied to the aerosol-generating substrate by friction, the center of mass of the additive received in the holder may move. During application, the center of mass of the additive received in the holder moves along the direction of application. During application, the center of mass of the additive received in the holder moves linearly along the direction of application.
[0018] The holder may have a constant cross-section perpendicular to the direction of application. Alternatively, the holder may have a cross-section perpendicular to the direction of application, the dimensions of which change along the direction of application.
[0019] The applicator may further include a pressing element. The pressing element may be configured to apply pressure to the additive body received in the holder along the direction of application. In particular, the pressing element may be configured to apply pressure to the solid additive body received in the holder along the direction of application. The pressing element allows for control of the amount of additive applied from the additive body to the aerosol generating substrate.
[0020] The pressing element may be controlled by a pressure application device.
[0021] The weight of the pressing element may be greater than the frictional force of the additive in the holder, and as a result, the additive may be gravity-driven along the direction of application. In particular, the weight of the pressing element may be greater than the frictional force of the solid additive in the holder so that the solid additive may be gravity-driven along the direction of application.
[0022] The weight of the pressing element may be at least five times, particularly seven times, the initial total weight of the additive. The pressing element may comprise at least two parts. At least two parts of the pressing element may be fixedly attached to each other. At least two parts of the pressing element may be mechanically attached to each other by fastening means. The fastening means may comprise at least one of screws, bolts, nuts, or pins. The fastening means may be an adhesive such as glue. Alternatively, at least two parts of the pressing element may be integrally formed. The first and second parts of the pressing element may be arranged at an angle to each other. In particular, the first part may be arranged perpendicular to the second part. The first part may extend along its long axis in a direction parallel to the direction of application. The cross section of the first part across the direction of application may be smaller than the cross section of the hollow passage of the holder across the direction of application. This provides a first part having dimensions that allow the first part to penetrate at least partially inside the hollow passage of the holder. This allows the first part to push out the additive even when the additive is located inside the holder.
[0023] The pressing element, particularly the first part of the pressing element, may have a pressing surface. The pressing surface may be configured to contact an additive body received in the holder. In particular, the pressing surface may be configured to contact a solid additive body received in the holder. The pressing surface may extend in a plane perpendicular to the direction of application. The pressing surface may be a flat surface.
[0024] The applicator may further include a support guide. The pressing element may be slidably disposed within the support guide along the direction of application.
[0025] The support guide may have grooves extending along the direction of application. Alternatively, the support guide may have ridges extending along the direction of application.
[0026] The pressing element, particularly the second part of the pressing element, may comprise a coupling part. The coupling part of the pressing element may be configured to be slidably received within the support guide along the application direction.
[0027] The groove or ridge of the support guide may comprise a contact surface, such that the pressing element may reach an end position along the application direction when the coupling part of the pressing element abuts against the contact surface of the support guide. A sensing element may be provided on the contact surface. The sensing element may be configured to sense the abutment of the pressing element against the contact surface. The sensing element may be a pressure sensor. The sensing element may be an optical sensor. The sensing element may be an inductive sensor. The sensing element may be connected to the controller of the device. The detection of the abutment by the sensing element may trigger an alarm signal. The alarm signal may be communicated to the controller. The detection of the abutment by the sensing element may stop the conveyor.
[0028] The length of the groove or ridge of the support guide, the height of the first part of the pressing element, and the height of the holder are selected relative to the dimensions, particularly the height, of the additive body received within the holder.
[0029] The support guide and the holder of the applicator may be fixed relative to each other. The pressing element of the applicator may be movable relative to the support guide and the holder of the applicator.
[0030] The support guide and the holder of the applicator may be integrally formed.
[0031] The holder of the device may be configured to receive at least two additive bodies. The two additive bodies may be identical. The two additive bodies may differ from each other in chemical composition. The two additive bodies may differ in size from each other.
[0032] The apparatus may include at least two applicators, each having a holder for receiving an additive. The at least two holders may have the same dimensions and shape. Alternatively, the at least two holders may have different sizes or shapes. The first holder may contain a first additive. The second holder may contain a second additive. The first additive may contain a first additive. The second additive may contain a second additive. The first and second additives may be the same additive. Alternatively, the first additive may be different from the second additive.
[0033] The apparatus may further include a temperature control device. The temperature control device may be configured to monitor and control the temperature of the holder. The temperature of the additive may be controlled between 10°C and 50°C, specifically between 15°C and 35°C, more preferably between 22°C and 28°C.
[0034] The temperature control device may include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be arranged to sense the temperature of the additive body received in the holder.
[0035] The apparatus may include at least one cooling device. At least one cooling device may be configured to lower the temperature of the additive body within the holder. At least one cooling device may be configured to lower the temperature of at least one outer surface of the additive body. At least one cooling device may be provided on at least one side wall of the holder.
[0036] The cooling device may be configured to maintain the holder temperature below a predetermined threshold temperature.
[0037] The apparatus may include at least one heating device. This may improve the processing of the additive. This may reduce the viscosity of the additive. At least one heating device may be provided on at least one side wall of the holder. The apparatus may be provided with a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the additive housed in the holder.
[0038] A temperature control device, combined with at least one of a heating or cooling device, may be configured to maintain the holder's temperature above or below a predetermined threshold temperature.
[0039] The conveyor may actively drive the aerosol generating substrate in the conveying direction, or it may passively guide the aerosol generating substrate in the conveying direction. The conveyor may consist of a conveyor belt or several conveyor belts. Specifically, the aerosol generating substrate may be conveyed between an upper conveyor belt and a lower conveyor belt. The conveyor may consist of conveyor rollers or several conveyor rollers. Specifically, the aerosol generating substrate may be conveyed between an upper conveyor roller and a lower conveyor roller.
[0040] A system according to a second embodiment may comprise the equipment and aerosol generating substrate specified above. The system may also comprise an additive, in particular an additive according to one of the embodiments described above.
[0041] The system may include at least one backing roller. The aerosol generating substrate may be disposed between at least one backing roller and a holder. At least one backing roller may be part of a conveyor. Alternatively, the backing roller may form a conveyor roller or one of the conveyor rollers.
[0042] The applicator and at least one backing roller may be positioned to apply pressure to the aerosol-generating substrate from both sides. This allows for an increase in the frictional force between the aerosol-generating substrate and the additive. Furthermore, this may potentially protect the aerosol-generating substrate from mechanical decomposition.
[0043] At least one backing roller may be made of metal, particularly steel.
[0044] At least one backing roller may be coated with an elastomer material, particularly rubber. This can compensate for potential variations in the force applied in the direction of application against which the applicator body is pressed against the aerosol-generating substrate. Thus, variations in frictional force, and therefore variations in the amount of application, can be reduced. The elastomer material can also compensate for tolerances related to the thickness of the aerosol-generating substrate.
[0045] The system may include at least one support base. The at least one support base may be positioned downstream of at least one backing roller with respect to the conveying direction. The at least one support base and applicator may be positioned to apply pressure to the aerosol generating substrate from both sides via an additive, particularly a solid additive.
[0046] The surface of at least one support base may be provided with an anti-adhesion layer adapted to reduce frictional contact between the aforementioned surface of at least one support base and the aerosol-generating substrate.
[0047] The anti-adhesion layer may contain carbon-based materials.
[0048] The anti-adhesion layer comprises at least one of columnar pyrolytic graphite, layered pyrolytic graphite, and highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG).
[0049] The axis of rotation of at least one backing roller may be perpendicular to the conveying direction. The axes of rotation of each backing roller may be parallel to each other. At least one backing roller may be configured to rotate in a first direction around its respective axis of rotation. At least one backing roller may be configured to rotate in a second direction around its respective axis of rotation, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.
[0050] The system may further include an adjustment device. The adjustment device may be configured to adjust the relative position of at least one backing roller with respect to the applicator holder. Thus, the pressure applied to the aerosol generating substrate between at least one backing roller and the holder can be adjusted.
[0051] The system may further include an optical sensing device for detecting the presence of additives on the aerosol-generating substrate. Alternatively, the optical sensing device may be configured to detect the absence of additives on the aerosol-generating substrate. The optical sensing device may include an optical sensor.
[0052] The optical sensing device may be provided on a support guide of the applicator.
[0053] The optical sensing device may be positioned downstream of the applicator with respect to the transport direction.
[0054] The maximum cross-sectional dimension of the holder is smaller than the width of the aerosol generating substrate, and is particularly 20 percent smaller.
[0055] The width of the aerosol generating substrate may be defined perpendicular to the transport direction.
[0056] The holder's cross-section may have a rectangular shape. This may allow for a certain thickness of application of the additive on the aerosol-generating substrate.
[0057] The holder's cross-section may be elliptical or circular. This may allow for a convex application thickness of the additive on the aerosol generating substrate.
[0058] The additives may form part of the system. Optionally, the additives may contain at least one flavor component. In particular, the additives are solid. The flavor components may be of natural or artificial origin. The flavor components may include natural or synthetic menthol.
[0059] The width of the additive can define the width of the additive applied to the aerosol generating substrate. Therefore, the width of the additive applied to the aerosol generating substrate does not depend on the number of droplets per unit volume and the droplet size distribution, and thus can be controlled more precisely than with spray application. If the width of the additive is shorter than the width of the aerosol generating substrate, it allows for the creation of margins of the same width on both sides of the additive band applied to the aerosol generating substrate, where the additive is not present. Thus, the distribution of the additive on the aerosol generating substrate can be controlled more appropriately, and specifically more precisely.
[0060] According to a third aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating substrate, particularly one according to one of the prior embodiments, is provided, wherein the aerosol generating substrate comprises a strip of additives. The strip of additives is provided on the aerosol generating substrate. The strip of additives has a width shorter than the width of the aerosol generating substrate.
[0061] The additive strip may have thickness. The thickness may be the height of the additive on the aerosol generating substrate, the penetration depth of the additive within the aerosol generating substrate, or the sum of both. The variation in the thickness of the additive strip along its width may be less than 50 percent, particularly less than 30 percent, and more specifically less than 20 percent. The additive strip may have a thickness of at least 0.020 millimeters. Therefore, an aerosol generating article with a highly accurate and precise amount of additive on the aerosol generating substrate can be advantageously obtained. Better reproducibility of the aerosol generating article may contribute to an improved user experience.
[0062] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method for applying an additive to an aerosol generating substrate for an aerosol generating article. The method includes providing the additive in a solid state. The method includes moving the aerosol generating substrate along a conveying direction. The method includes applying the additive from the additive to the aerosol generating substrate by frictional force, wherein the frictional force is caused by contact between the additive and the aerosol generating substrate.
[0063] This may allow for the deposition of additives in the aerosol-generating substrate at clearly defined locations.
[0064] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the use of a solid additive body for applying an additive to an aerosol generating substrate for an aerosol generating article is provided. The additive body may contain flavor components.
[0065] The equipment, systems, methods, or uses of the system may operate in an environment with a relative humidity of 40 percent to 60 percent, particularly 45 percent to 55 percent.
[0066] The aerosol-generating substrate may be a homogenized tobacco sheet. More generally, the aerosol-generating substrate may contain tobacco. In place of tobacco, or in addition to tobacco, other plant-derived materials may be part of the aerosol-generating substrate.
[0067] The aerosol-generating substrate may be a grass or plant-based cast sheet that does not contain tobacco. More generally, the aerosol-generating substrate may contain plant-derived materials.
[0068] Alternatively, the aerosol generating substrate may be a homogenized sheet other than tobacco. The aerosol generating substrate may contain at least one of the following: fibrous materials, particularly polymer fibrous materials, biodegradable fibrous materials, cotton, or cellulose. The aerosol generating substrate may be a polylactic acid substrate. The aerosol generating substrate may contain acetate.
[0069] The aerosol generating substrate may contain alkaloids, particularly nicotine.
[0070] The aerosol generating substrate may be made from crimped aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material may be converged into a rod shape. The crimped aerosol generating material may facilitate the convergence of the aerosol generating material into a rod shape. The aerosol generating substrate may be crimped after or before the application of additives.
[0071] The aerosol generating substrate may have multiple waveforms. The waveforms may include ridges or protrusions. The waveforms may include valleys or depressions. The waveforms are formed by ridges and depressions, or by ridges or depressions. The width of a ridge may be defined as the first distance between two peaks of a successive depression. The width of a depression may be defined as the first distance between two peaks of a successive ridge. The distance between the peaks of a ridge and the peaks of a depression may define the height of the ridge or depression.
[0072] The aerosol generating substrate may be adapted to converge or fold into a segment or rod shape to form part of an aerosol generating article.
[0073] The aerosol generating article may also be an aerosol generating article for generating an aerosol that includes an aerosol generating substrate intended to be heated rather than burned in order to release volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol.
[0074] The aerosol generating substrate may be a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form aerosols when heated. The aerosols generated from the aerosol generating substrate may be visible or invisible and may include vapor (e.g., fine particles of a substance in a gaseous state), as well as condensed vapor gases and droplets.
[0075] The aerosol generating substrate may be a sheet, foil, or web of aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating substrate may be a layered substrate. The aerosol generating substrate may have a width and length substantially greater than the thickness of the substrate.
[0076] The aerosol generating substrate may have a thickness of 0.110 mm to 0.380 mm, and particularly 0.170 mm to 0.270 mm.
[0077] The aerosol generating substrate may contain a humectant.
[0078] The aerosol generating substrate may include aerosol-forming compounds, such as polyhydric alcohols, such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanediate and dimethyl tetradecanediate. The aerosol generating substrate may also contain at least 3 weight percent, particularly at least 5 weight percent, and more specifically at least 10 weight percent of aerosol-forming compounds based on the weight of the aerosol generating substrate.
[0079] The additive body may contain additives. The additives in the additive body may be at least partially absorbed into the aerosol-generating substrate.
[0080] The apparatus or system may be configured to operate at a temperature in which the additive is solid. The apparatus or system may be adapted to be controlled to operate at a temperature in which the additive is solid.
[0081] The additive may be in a solid state at temperatures between 5°C and 60°C. The additive may be in a solid state at temperatures between 10°C and 45°C. The additive may be in a solid state at temperatures between 15°C and 30°C.
[0082] The additive may be in a solid state at temperatures between 16°C and 28°C. The additive may also be in a solid state at temperatures between 18°C and 24°C. The use of solid additives significantly simplifies manufacturing and maintenance by avoiding the inconveniences associated with handling fluids.
[0083] The additive may include an aerosol-forming agent, particularly glycerin.
[0084] The additive may contain 45 to 90 percent by weight of glycerin, particularly 65 to 85 percent by weight of glycerin.
[0085] The additive may contain 15–55 weight percent of organic vegetable glycerin, particularly 20–35 weight percent of organic vegetable glycerin. The additive may contain at least one plant compound. The plant compound may be tobacco leaf, clove, echinacea, fennel, ginger, holberry, ederberry, monarda, mullein leaf, nettle, plantain, turmeric, yarrow, or a combination thereof. The additive may contain 1–15 weight percent, particularly 2–7 weight percent of plant compounds. The additives in the additive may contain essential oils. The additives in the additive may contain allyl hexanoate, benzyl alcohol, citral, ethanol, sea cubeba oil, lemon oil, lime oil, L-menthol, menthol, orange oil sweetener, orange oil terpene-free, orange oil terpene, tangerine oil terpene-free, or a combination thereof. The additive may contain 0.5 to 5 weight percent, particularly 1 to 3 weight percent, of vegetable essential oils. The vegetable essential oils may include tobacco, palm, coconut, and wood-based essential oils.
[0086] The additives in the additive body may be active ingredients, particularly alkaloids such as nicotine.
[0087] The additive may lack fibers or fiber compounds.
[0088] The additive may include a solid gel.
[0089] The additive may contain wax.
[0090] The additive may form a single block. This allows for easier handling and manipulation of the additive compared to the additive in liquid form. The additive may have the shape of a solid bar. The additive may have a square cross-section perpendicular to the direction of application. The side lengths of the square cross-section may range from 20 mm to 100 mm. In particular, the side lengths of the square cross-section may range from 30 mm to 80 mm. More specifically, the side lengths of the square cross-section may range from 40 mm to 70 mm.
[0091] The additive may have a rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the direction of application. The maximum length of the rectangular cross-section may be between 20 mm and 150 mm. In particular, the maximum length of the rectangular cross-section may be between 30 mm and 110 mm. More specifically, the maximum length of the rectangular cross-section may be between 40 mm and 90 mm. The minimum length of the rectangular cross-section may be between 5 mm and 70 mm. In particular, the minimum length of the rectangular cross-section may be between 10 mm and 50 mm. More specifically, the minimum length of the rectangular cross-section may be between 20 mm and 45 mm.
[0092] The additive may have an elliptical cross-section perpendicular to the direction of application. The maximum length of the elliptical cross-section may range from 20 millimeters to 150 millimeters. In particular, the maximum length of the elliptical cross-section may range from 30 millimeters to 110 millimeters. More specifically, the maximum length of the elliptical cross-section may range from 40 millimeters to 90 millimeters. The minimum length of the elliptical cross-section may range from 5 millimeters to 70 millimeters. In particular, the minimum length of the elliptical cross-section may range from 10 millimeters to 50 millimeters. More specifically, the minimum length of the elliptical cross-section may range from 20 millimeters to 45 millimeters.
[0093] The additive may have a circular cross-section perpendicular to the direction of application. The diameter of the circular cross-section may range from 15 mm to 130 mm. In particular, the diameter of the circular cross-section may range from 20 mm to 90 mm. More specifically, the diameter of the circular cross-section may range from 30 mm to 80 mm.
[0094] The initial weight of the additive may be greater than 0.8 kilograms. In particular, the initial weight of the additive may be greater than 1 kilogram. The initial weight of the additive corresponds to the weight of the additive before any application of the additive to the aerosol generating substrate.
[0095] Devices or systems according to the first and second embodiments may produce articles according to the third embodiment. Devices or systems according to the first and second embodiments may be operated in the manner of the fourth embodiment. Devices or systems according to the first and second embodiments may be part of the use of the fifth embodiment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0096] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the equipment for applying additives to an aerosol generating substrate. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the applicator represented in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a schematic top view of the aerosol generating substrate after the application of additives using the equipment shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of a holder according to another embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of a holder according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0097] 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 any of the features described above, for example, one or more features of other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.
[0098] Example 1: An apparatus for applying an additive to an aerosol generating substrate for an aerosol generating article, comprising a conveyor configured to transport the aerosol generating substrate in a transport direction, and an applicator, wherein the applicator includes a holder, the holder is adapted to receive an additive along the application direction, and the holder is adapted to guide the additive in the application direction.
[0099] Example 2: The apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the direction of application is perpendicular to or inclined with respect to the conveying direction.
[0100] Example 3: The apparatus according to Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the holder comprises at least one guide surface extending in a direction parallel to the direction of application.
[0101] Example 4: The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the holder has a shape that is at least partially complementary to the cross-section of the additive.
[0102] Example 5: The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the holder is adapted to guide the center of mass of the additive in the direction of application.
[0103] Example 6: The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the holder has a constant cross-section perpendicular to the direction of application.
[0104] Example 7: The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the holder has a rectangular cross-section.
[0105] Example 8: The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the holder has an elliptical or circular cross-section.
[0106] Example 9: The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the applicator further comprises a pressing element, the pressing element configured to apply pressure to an additive body received in a holder along the direction of application.
[0107] Example 10: The apparatus according to Example 9, wherein the pressing element is controlled by a pressure application device.
[0108] Example 11: The apparatus according to Example 9 or 10, wherein the weight of the pressing element is greater than the frictional force of the additive in the holder, and as a result the additive is gravity-driven along the direction of application.
[0109] Example 12: The apparatus according to any one of Examples 9 to 11, wherein the weight of the pressing element is at least 5 times, particularly 7 times, greater than the initial total weight of the additive.
[0110] Example 13: The apparatus according to either Example 9 or 12, wherein the pressing element comprises a pressing surface, the pressing surface being configured to contact an additive body received in a holder.
[0111] Example 14: The apparatus according to either Example 9 or 13, wherein the applicator further comprises a support guide, and the pressing element is disposed within the support guide so as to be slidable along the direction of application.
[0112] Example 15: The apparatus according to Example 14, wherein the support guide has a groove extending along the direction of application, and the pressing element has a coupling portion, the coupling portion of the pressing element is configured to be slidably received in the groove of the support guide along the direction of application.
[0113] Example 16: The apparatus according to Example 15, wherein the groove of the support guide has a contact surface, and as a result, the pressing element reaches its end position along the direction of application when the connecting portion of the pressing element contacts the contact surface of the support guide.
[0114] Example 17: The apparatus according to any one of Examples 14 to 16, wherein the applicator support guide and holder are fixed to each other, and the applicator's pressing element is movable relative to the applicator support guide and holder.
[0115] Example 18: The apparatus according to any one of Examples 14 to 17, wherein the support guide and holder for the applicator are integrally formed.
[0116] Example 19: The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 18, wherein the holder is configured to accept at least two additives.
[0117] Example 20: The apparatus according to any of Examples 1 to 19, wherein the system comprises at least two applicators as specified above.
[0118] Example 21: The apparatus according to any of Examples 1 to 20, wherein the system further comprises a temperature control device, the temperature control device being configured to monitor and control the temperature of the holder.
[0119] Example 22: The apparatus according to Example 21, wherein the temperature control device is equipped with a temperature sensor, and the temperature sensor is arranged to sense the temperature of the additive body received in the holder.
[0120] Example 23: The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 22, wherein the system further comprises a cooling device.
[0121] Example 24: The apparatus according to Example 23, wherein the cooling device is configured to maintain the holder temperature below a predetermined threshold temperature.
[0122] Example 25: A system comprising the apparatus and aerosol generating substrate described in any of Examples 1 to 24.
[0123] Example 26: The system according to Example 25, further comprising at least one backing roller, wherein the aerosol generating substrate is disposed between at least one backing roller and a holder.
[0124] Example 27: The system according to Example 26, wherein the applicator and at least one backing roller are arranged to apply pressure to the aerosol generating substrate from both sides.
[0125] Example 28: The system according to Example 26 or 27, wherein at least one backing roller is made of metal, particularly steel.
[0126] Example 29: The system according to any one of Examples 26 to 28, wherein at least one backing roller is covered with rubber.
[0127] Example 30: The system according to any one of Examples 26 to 29, further comprising at least one support base, the at least one support base disposed downstream of at least one backing roller with respect to the conveying direction, and the at least one support base and applicator disposed to apply pressure to the aerosol generating substrate from both sides via an additive.
[0128] Example 31: The system according to Example 30, wherein at least one support base surface is provided with an anti-adhesion layer adapted to reduce frictional contact between the aforementioned surface of the at least one support base and the aerosol-generating substrate.
[0129] Example 32: The system according to Example 31, wherein the anti-adhesion layer contains a carbon-based material.
[0130] Example 33: The system according to Example 31 or 32, wherein the anti-adhesion layer comprises at least one of columnar pyrolytic graphite, layered pyrolytic graphite, and highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG).
[0131] Example 34: The system according to any one of Examples 25 to 33, further comprising an optical sensing device for detecting the presence of an additive on an aerosol-generating substrate.
[0132] Example 35: The system according to Example 34, wherein the optical sensing device is provided on a support guide of the applicator.
[0133] Example 36: The system according to Example 34 or 35, wherein the optical sensing device is positioned downstream of the holder with respect to the transport direction.
[0134] Example 37: The system according to any of Examples 25 to 36, wherein the maximum dimension of the holder's cross-section is smaller than the width of the aerosol generating substrate, particularly 20 percent smaller.
[0135] Example 38: The system according to any one of Examples 25 to 37, further comprising an additive, wherein the additive contains at least one flavor component.
[0136] Example 39: An aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating substrate, wherein the aerosol generating substrate comprises a strip of additive, the strip of additive is provided on the aerosol generating substrate, and the strip of additive has a width shorter than the width of the aerosol generating substrate.
[0137] Example 40: A method for applying an additive to an aerosol generating substrate for an aerosol generating article, comprising: providing an additive in a solid state; moving the aerosol generating substrate along a conveying direction; and applying the additive from the additive to the aerosol generating substrate by frictional force, wherein the frictional force is caused by contact between the additive and the aerosol generating substrate.
[0138] Example 41: Use of solid additives for applying additives to aerosol generating substrates for aerosol generating articles.
[0139] Example 42: An aerosol generating substrate according to any one of Examples 25 to 41, which is a homogenized tobacco sheet.
[0140] Example 43: An aerosol-generating substrate according to any of Examples 25 to 42, which is a tobacco-free grass or plant-based cast sheet.
[0141] Example 44: An aerosol generating substrate according to any one of Examples 25 to 41, comprising at least one of fibrous materials, particularly polymer fibrous materials, biodegradable fibrous materials, cotton, or cellulose.
[0142] Example 45: An aerosol generating substrate according to any one of Examples 25 to 42, containing an alkaloid, particularly nicotine.
[0143] Example 46: An aerosol generating substrate according to any of Examples 25 to 45, made from a crimped aerosol generating material.
[0144] Example 47: An aerosol generating substrate according to any of Examples 25 to 46, having a thickness of 0.110 mm to 0.380 mm, particularly 0.170 to 0.270 mm.
[0145] Example 48: The additive body according to Examples 38, 40, or 41, which is in a solid state at temperatures between 16°C and 28°C, particularly between 18°C and 24°C.
[0146] Example 49: The additive body according to Examples 38, 40, 41, or 48, which may contain 45 to 90 weight percent glycerin, particularly 65 to 85 weight percent glycerin.
[0147] Example 50: An additive body according to Examples 38, 40, 41, 48, or 49, comprising a solid gel.
[0148] Example 51: An additive body containing wax, as described in Examples 38, 40, 41, 48, or 49.
[0149] Here, we will further describe the examples with reference to the figures.
[0150] Figure 1 shows equipment 1 for applying an additive to an aerosol generating substrate 3, which is transported by a conveyor 5 in the transport direction 101. The conveyor 5 includes backing rollers 7. The backing rollers 7 are adapted to rotate around a rotating shaft 103. The rotating shaft 103 is positioned transversely to the transport direction 101. The backing rollers 7 may be made of metal, specifically steel.
[0151] The apparatus 1 comprises an applicator 9. The applicator 9 comprises a holder 11. The holder 11 is adapted to receive an additive 13 along the application direction 105. In the embodiment illustrated by Figure 1, the application direction 105 is perpendicular to the transport direction 101. In the embodiment illustrated by Figure 1, the holder 11 comprises four side walls 15. Only two side walls 15 are visible in Figure 1, but all four side walls 15 are visible in Figure 2. Figure 2 illustrates the applicator 9 of Figure 1. Hereafter, we will refer to Figures 1 and 2. Similar elements are identified by the same reference numerals. As shown in Figure 2, the four side walls 15 of the holder 11 define a hollow passage 17 extending from a first end 16 to a second end 18 along the application direction 105. The hollow passage 17 in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 has a constant cross-section perpendicular to the application direction 105. The cross-section of the hollow passage 17 perpendicular to the application direction 105 has a rectangular shape defined by a width 107 and a length 109, where the length 109 is greater than the width 107. The holder 11 is adapted to guide the additive 13 in the application direction 105. In particular, the surfaces of the side walls 15 facing the hollow passage 17 can each provide guide surfaces 19 extending along the application direction 105. The hollow passage 17 has a shape complementary to the cross-section of the additive 13. Thus, in the embodiment illustrated by Figure 1, the additive 13 has the shape of a rectangular prism with a width 107 and a length 109.
[0152] The apparatus 1 enables the application of the additive 13 onto the aerosol generating substrate 3 by frictional force, which is caused by the contact of the additive 13 with the aerosol generating substrate 3. To enable contact of the additive 13 with the aerosol generating substrate 3, the apparatus 1 includes a pressing element 21. The pressing element 21 is configured to apply pressure to the additive 13 received in the holder 11 along the application direction 105. The weight of the pressing element 21 is greater than the frictional force of the additive 13 in the holder 11, and as a result, the additive 13 is gravity-driven along the application direction 105. In the embodiments illustrated by Figures 1 and 2, the pressing element 21 includes a bent arm structure. The bent arm structure includes a first part 23 and a second part 25. The first part 23 is inclined with respect to the second part 25, and in particular, perpendicular to it. The first part 23 extends along its long axis along the application direction 105. The first part 23 is provided with a pressing surface 27. The pressing surface 27 is configured to contact the upper surface 29 of the additive body 13 received in the holder 11. The pressing element 21 is slidably disposed in the support guide 31 of the device 1 along the application direction 105. The support guide 31 and the holder 11 are fixed to each other. The support guide 31 has a groove 33 extending along the application direction 105. A second portion 25 of the pressing element 21 has a coupling portion 35. The coupling portion 35 of the pressing element 21 is configured to be slidably received in the groove 33 of the support guide 31 along the application direction 105. The pressing element 21 is movable relative to the support guide 31 and the holder 11. The groove 33 of the support guide 31 has a contact surface 37. The pressing element 21 reaches an end position (not shown) along the application direction 105 when the coupling portion 35 of the pressing element 21 contacts the contact surface 37 of the groove 33 of the support guide 21.
[0153] In the embodiment illustrated by Figures 1 and 2, the apparatus 1 further comprises an optical sensing device 39 for detecting the presence of additive 13 on the aerosol generating substrate 3. The optical sensing device 39 is provided on a support guide 31. As shown in Figure 1, the optical sensing device 39 is positioned below the holder 11 with respect to the transport direction 101.
[0154] Figure 3 shows a schematic top view of the aerosol generating substrate 3 after the application of additive 13 obtained by the device 1.
[0155] The aerosol generating substrate 3 comprises an additive strip 41. The additive strip 41 is provided on the aerosol generating substrate 3. The additive strip 41 may be partially absorbed by the aerosol generating substrate 3, in particular depending on the porosity of the aerosol generating substrate 3. The additive strip 41 has a width 43 that is shorter than the width 45 of the aerosol generating substrate 3. The width 43 of the additive applied on the aerosol generating substrate 3 does not depend on the number of droplets per unit volume and the droplet size distribution, and can therefore be controlled more precisely than application by spray application. The width 43 of the additive strip 41 is defined by the width 109 of the additive body 13. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 3, the width 109 of the additive body 13 is shorter than the width 45 of the aerosol generating substrate 3. Furthermore, in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 3, the center of the width 109 of the additive body 13 is centered on the longitudinal axis 111 of the aerosol generating substrate 3. Since the width 109 of the additive 13 is shorter than the width 45 of the aerosol generating substrate 3, it is possible to create margins 77 of the same width that do not contain the additive on both sides of the additive strip 41. Thus, the apparatus 1 enables the production of an aerosol generating substrate 3 that can better define and control the distribution of the additive 13, particularly compared to known additive spraying methods.
[0156] Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of a holder according to an embodiment different from the embodiment shown in Figure 1.
[0157] Figure 4 shows the holder 49. The holder 49 differs from the holder 11 in that, in at least one cross section transverse to the application direction 105, adjacent side walls 51, 53, and 55 are separated from each other by their respective gaps 57. Therefore, in each gap 57, the outer surface of the additive 13 does not directly contact the side wall of the holder 49. Consequently, frictional resistance is reduced in the region of each gap 57. This can facilitate the sliding of the additive 13 within the holder 49 along the application direction 105.
[0158] Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of a holder according to an embodiment different from the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 4.
[0159] Figure 5 shows the holder 59. The holder 59 differs from the holder 11 in that it comprises a first portion 63 having a cross-section perpendicular to the direction of application, the dimensions of which change in a manner decreasing along the direction of application 105. The direction of application 105 is directed toward the aerosol generating substrate 3. The holder 59 further comprises a second portion 61 having a constant cross-section perpendicular to the direction of application 105. The second portion 61 is positioned below the first portion 63 along the direction of application 105. The first portion 63 provides a first open end 16 of the hollow passage 17 of the holder 59. The second portion 61 provides a second open end 18 of the hollow passage 17 of the holder 59. In the holder 59, the first open end 16 is larger than the second open end 18. The cross-section of the second opening 18 perpendicular to the direction of application 105 has a shape complementary to the cross-section of the additive 13 perpendicular to the direction of application 105. Therefore, in the second part 61, the outer surface of the additive 13 does not come into direct surface contact with the side wall of the holder 49.
[0160] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers representing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc., are understood to be modified in all cases by the term “approximately.” Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges within them, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 10%. In this context, the number A may be considered to include a number that falls within the general standard error of the measurement of the characteristic that the number A modifies. In some cases used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate by the percentages listed above, provided that the amount A deviates does not substantially affect the fundamental and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges within them, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.
Claims
1. A device for applying additives to an aerosol generating substrate for an aerosol generating article, A conveyor configured to transport an aerosol generating substrate in the transport direction, Equipped with an applicator, The applicator includes a holder, The holder is adapted to receive a solid additive along the direction of application, The holder is a device adapted to guide the solid additive in the direction of application.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the holder comprises at least one guide surface extending in a direction parallel to the direction of application.
3. The aforementioned applicator, Further equipped with a pressing element, The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressing element is configured to apply pressure to a solid additive body received in the holder along the direction of application.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the weight of the pressing element is greater than the frictional force of the solid additive in the holder, and as a result, the solid additive is gravity-driven along the direction of application.
5. The apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the pressing element comprises a pressing surface, and the pressing surface is configured to contact a solid additive body received in the holder.
6. The aforementioned applicator, With additional support guides, The apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the pressing element is slidably disposed within the support guide along the direction of application.
7. A system comprising the apparatus and aerosol generating substrate described in any one of claims 1 to 6.
8. It also has at least one additional backing roller, The system according to claim 7, wherein the aerosol generating substrate is disposed between the at least one backing roller and the holder.
9. Further comprising at least one support base, The at least one support base is positioned downstream of the at least one backing roller with respect to the conveying direction. The system according to claim 8, wherein the at least one support base and the applicator are arranged to apply pressure to the aerosol generating substrate from both sides via the additive.
10. The system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising an optical sensing device for detecting the presence of an additive on the aerosol generating substrate.
11. The system according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the maximum dimension of the cross-section of the holder is smaller than the width of the aerosol generating substrate, particularly 20 percent smaller.
12. The system according to any one of claims 7 to 11, further comprising a solid additive, wherein the solid additive contains at least one flavor component.
13. an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol generating substrate, The aerosol generating substrate includes a band of additives, The band of the additive is provided on the aerosol generating substrate. An aerosol generating article wherein the additive band has a width shorter than the width of the aerosol generating substrate.
14. A method for applying an additive to an aerosol generating substrate for an aerosol generating article, To provide an additive in a solid state, The aerosol generating substrate is moved along the transport direction, A method comprising applying an additive from the additive body to the aerosol generating substrate by frictional force, wherein the frictional force is caused by contact between the additive body and the aerosol generating substrate.
15. Use of solid additives for applying additives to aerosol generating substrates for aerosol generating articles.