System and method for coating an additive onto an aerosol generating substrate for an aerosol generating article.
The applicator roller system addresses inefficiencies in additive application by reducing exposure and contamination, achieving precise and uniform deposition on aerosol generating substrates, enhancing production uptime and 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, result in high exposure to ambient air, volatilization, crystallization, and contamination, leading to inefficiencies and maintenance issues, while lacking precision in application.
A system using an applicator roller with a conveyor device applies additives by rotational motion and relative motion, reducing exposure time and enhancing precision, allowing at least 90% of the additive to be directly applied to the substrate, minimizing contamination and maintenance, and enabling precise application to specific locations.
The system achieves high additive application efficiency, reduces maintenance needs, and improves user experience by ensuring precise and uniform deposition of additives on aerosol generating substrates, preventing volatilization and contamination.
Smart Images
Figure 2026509971000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system for applying an additive to an aerosol generation substrate for an aerosol generating article, and a method for manufacturing an aerosol generation substrate of an aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generation substrate contains an 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 generation substrate without requiring combustion of the aerosol generation substrate. Such articles are often referred to as "heat-not-burn" aerosol generating articles because the aerosol generation substrate is heated to a relatively low temperature to induce the formation of an aerosol, but combustion of the materials contained within the aerosol generation 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 generation substrate. It is known to apply an additive, specifically a flavor additive, onto an aerosol generation 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 generation substrate.
[0004] Applying an additive, specifically a flavor additive, can affect both the smoking experience and the appearance of the aerosol generating article, and thus is an important requirement for the user experience.
Summary of the Invention
[0005] In a first aspect of the present invention, a system is provided for applying an additive to an aerosol generating substrate for an aerosol generating article. The system comprises an aerosol generating substrate. The system comprises a storage unit. The storage unit contains an additive. The system comprises an applicator roller adapted to rotate about a rotation axis. The storage unit comprises a discharge opening for dispensing the additive to the applicator roller. The applicator roller is configured to transfer the additive from the applicator roller to the aerosol generating substrate by the rotational motion of the applicator roller about its rotation axis and the relative motion of the aerosol generating substrate with respect to the applicator roller in the conveying direction. The system further comprises a conveyor device. The conveyor device is configured to convey the aerosol generating substrate relative to the applicator roller in the conveying direction.
[0006] In another aspect of the present invention, a system is provided for applying an additive to an aerosol-generating substrate for an aerosol-generating article. The system may include an aerosol-generating substrate. The system may include a conveyor device. The conveyor device may be configured to transport the aerosol-generating substrate in a transport direction. The system may include a storage unit. The storage unit may contain the additive. The system may include an applicator roller. The applicator roller may be adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation. The storage unit may include a discharge opening for dispensing the additive to the applicator roller. The applicator roller may be configured to transfer the additive from the applicator roller to the aerosol-generating substrate by the rotational motion of the applicator roller about its axis of rotation. The applicator roller may be configured to transfer the additive from the applicator roller to the aerosol-generating substrate by the relative motion of the aerosol-generating substrate with respect to the applicator roller in the transport direction.
[0007] Specifically, the system may be adapted so that the aerosol generating substrate moves in the conveying direction relative to the fixed applicator rollers.
[0008] Roller application of additives allows for a reduction in the time the additive is exposed to ambient air compared to spray application. For example, if the additive is a flavor compound containing menthol, reducing exposure to ambient air helps avoid menthol volatilization and crystallization. Furthermore, roller application reduces the diffusion of additive particles into the air compared to spray application. At least 90%, more specifically 98%, of the additive can 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. Thus, applying additives using an applicator roller can reduce the amount of cleaning required. This can potentially improve production line uptime by reducing the occurrence of production downtime for maintenance purposes. As a result, at least 90%, more specifically 98%, of the additive is applied to the aerosol-generating substrate, which can potentially prevent additive waste. In particular, if the additive contains menthol, clogging of the nozzles used to spray the additive can be advantageously avoided. Specifically, the system does not require a pump for the additive downstream of the storage section. In conventional systems, the pump required for spraying may become clogged, specifically due to the crystallization of menthol.
[0009] Furthermore, the applicator roller allows for the application of additives to clearly defined locations on the aerosol-generating substrate. In fact, the position of the applicator roller and the discharge opening relative to the aerosol-generating substrate allows for the application of additives to specific locations on the aerosol-generating substrate. The additive can be applied to the aerosol-generating substrate more precisely than by spraying, so as to demarcate areas of the aerosol-generating substrate containing the additive from other areas of the aerosol-generating substrate without the additive. The width of the additive applied to the aerosol-generating substrate can be controlled more precisely than by conventional spraying, because the application does not depend on the number of droplets per unit volume and the droplet size distribution. The amount of additive can be adapted so that the additive remains within the aerosol-generating substrate without diffusing into the wrapper of the aerosol-generating article. This can prevent contamination of the wrapper of the aerosol-generating article. This can potentially improve the user experience. Applying additives to the aerosol-generating substrate using a roller allows for improved accuracy in the amount of additive per article, thereby preventing the amount discrepancies that users may experience during the smoking experience.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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. The aerosol generating substrate may have a thickness of 0.110 mm to 0.380 mm, specifically 0.170 mm to 0.270 mm.
[0013] The aerosol generating substrate may specifically be a homogenized tobacco sheet for manufacturing an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating substrate may contain a humectant. The aerosol generating substrate may contain 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 contain at least 3% by weight, specifically at least 5%, and more specifically at least 10% by weight of aerosol-forming compounds based on the weight of the aerosol generating substrate.
[0014] The aerosol generating substrate may contain plant-derived materials. The aerosol generating substrate may be an alkaloid-containing material. The alkaloid may contain nicotine. The aerosol generating substrate may be tobacco. In place of tobacco, or in addition to tobacco, other plant-derived materials may be part of the aerosol generating substrate. Alternatively, the aerosol generating substrate may be a homogenized sheet other than tobacco. The aerosol generating substrate may be a fibrous material, preferably a plastic fibrous material, more preferably a biodegradable fibrous material, more preferably cotton, and more preferably cellulose. The aerosol generating substrate may be a polylactic acid substrate. The aerosol generating substrate may contain acetate.
[0015] The aerosol generating substrate may be crimped after or before the application of the additive. The aerosol generating substrate may have multiple waveforms. The waveforms may include ridges or protrusions. The waveforms may include troughs 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 consecutive depression. The width of a depression may be defined as the first distance between two peaks of a consecutive ridge. The distance between the peaks of a ridge and the peaks of a depression may define the height of the ridge or depression.
[0016] 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.
[0017] The additive may be at least partially absorbed by the aerosol-generating substrate. The additive may contain at least one flavor component. The flavor component may be of natural or artificial origin. The flavor component may contain natural or synthetic menthol.
[0018] The additives may include essential oils. The additives may include allyl hexanoate, benzyl alcohol, citral, ethanol, isea cubeba oil, lemon oil, lime oil, L-menthol, menthol, sweet orange oil, terpene-free orange oil, terpene orange oil, terpene-free tangerine oil, or combinations thereof. The additives may also be aerosol formizers, such as glycerin. The additives may also be active ingredients, specifically alkaloids, such as nicotine.
[0019] The system may include a conveyor device configured to transport an aerosol generating substrate in the transport direction. The conveyor device may actively drive the aerosol generating substrate in the transport direction, or passively guide the aerosol generating substrate in the transport direction. The conveyor device may include a conveyor belt, or several conveyor belts. Specifically, the aerosol generating substrate may be transported between an upper conveyor belt and a lower conveyor belt. The conveyor device may include conveyor rollers, or several conveyor rollers. Specifically, the aerosol generating substrate may be transported between an upper conveyor roller and a lower conveyor roller. Applicator rollers may form a conveyor roller or one of the conveyor rollers.
[0020] The system may include at least one additional roller in addition to the applicator roller. The system may further include at least one intermediate roller disposed between the storage section and the applicator roller. At least one intermediate roller may be configured to transfer the additive dispensed from the discharge opening of the storage section to the applicator roller. The presence of one or more intermediate rollers makes it possible to improve the distribution of the additive on the applicator roller and the desired amount of the additive. The gap between the applicator roller and at least one intermediate roller may be adjusted to adjust the amount of additive. At least one intermediate roller may be a metering roller. The metering roller makes it possible to further improve the distribution of the additive on the applicator roller and the desired amount of the additive. The gap between the applicator roller and the metering roller may be adjusted to adjust the amount of additive. The adjustment of the gap between the applicator roller and the metering roller may take into account the viscosity of the additive. The metering roller may have a threaded portion. The metering roller may have multiple corrugations. The corrugations may have ridges or protrusions. The corrugations may include troughs or recesses. The waveform is 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. The metering roller may have a threaded portion. The metering roller may be integrally formed. The metering roller may have a core segment. The core segment may be a cylindrical rod. The core segment may be made of metal, specifically steel. At least one wire, specifically a steel wire, may be wound around the core segment. At least one wire may be wound around the core segment such that, as a result, the tip of the wire is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the core segment. At least one wire may be wound tightly around the core segment such that the wire is in surface contact with the surface of the core segment.Alternatively, the metering roller may be a winding metering rod, also known as a Meyer rod. The metering roller may be separate from the aerosol generating substrate. The applicator roller may be in contact with the additive applied to the aerosol generating substrate.
[0021] The system may include at least one backing roller. At least one backing roller and an applicator roller may be arranged to apply pressure to the aerosol generating substrate from both sides. The backing roller may form a conveyor roller or one of the conveyor rollers.
[0022] The aerosol generating substrate may be conveyed in the conveying direction to the applicator roller. Downstream of the applicator roller with respect to the conveying direction, or downstream of where the additive is applied to the aerosol generating substrate by the applicator roller, the aerosol generating substrate containing the additive may be conveyed along the downstream direction. The conveying direction may coincide with or be parallel to the downstream direction. This can facilitate the design and implementation of the production line. Alternatively, the conveying direction may be inclined with respect to the downstream direction at an angle of inclination of 5 to 60 degrees, specifically 30 to 50 degrees. The angle of inclination may be determined in relation to the convexity of the outer surface of the applicator roller. A portion of the aerosol generating substrate in front of the applicator roller may be inclined with respect to the downstream direction. In this inclined configuration, longer lengths of the aerosol generating substrate may be wrapped around the applicator roller and come into contact with the applicator roller than in a configuration where the conveying direction is parallel to the downstream direction. This may help stabilize the amount of additive deposited on the aerosol generating substrate and improve the uniformity of the deposition. It also increases the amount of additive deposited on the aerosol generating substrate.
[0023] Conversely, in a configuration with an inclined orientation, shorter lengths of aerosol generating substrate may be wrapped around the applicator roller and come into contact with it, compared to a configuration where the transport direction is parallel to the downstream direction.
[0024] The system may further include at least two applicator rollers each having a respective axis of rotation. The axes of rotation of the at least two applicator rollers may coincide with each other.
[0025] The applicator roller may be a roller configured to directly contact the surface of the aerosol generation substrate.
[0026] The expression "at least one roller" used hereinafter refers to "at least one roller among one or more applicator rollers, intermediate rollers, metering rollers, and backing rollers". The number of each applicator roller, intermediate roller, metering roller, and backing roller is not limited and can be adapted according to the configuration of the system.
[0027] The additive may be discharged by the action of gravity from the storage part to the roller among at least one roller closest to the discharge opening of the storage part. In one embodiment where the system includes only one roller, the additive may be directly discharged onto the outer surface of the applicator roller by the action of gravity. In a variant where the system includes additional rollers in addition to the applicator roller, the additive may be discharged onto the outer surface of the roller disposed closest to the discharge opening of the storage part by the action of gravity. Next, the additive may be continuously discharged from roller to roller up to the applicator roller.
[0028] The axis of rotation of the at least one roller may be perpendicular to the conveying direction. The axes of rotation of the rollers may be parallel to each other.
[0029] The applicator roller may be configured to rotate in a first direction about its respective axis of rotation. The applicator roller may be configured to rotate in a second direction about its respective axis of rotation, and the second direction may be opposite to the first direction.
[0030] If the system comprises one applicator roller and at least one additional roller from among the applicator roller, intermediate roller, metering roller, and backing roller, at least two rollers may rotate in the same direction. Alternatively, if the system comprises one applicator roller and at least one additional roller from among the applicator roller, intermediate roller, metering roller, and backing roller, at least two rollers may rotate in opposite directions. In the first embodiment, the system may comprise one applicator roller that rotates clockwise and one backing roller that rotates counterclockwise. In the first embodiment, the outer surface of the applicator roller may be adjusted to be spaced apart from the surface of the aerosol generating substrate by a distance corresponding to the thickness of the additive discharged onto the outer surface of the applicator roller. In the second embodiment, the system may comprise one applicator roller that rotates counterclockwise and one backing roller that rotates counterclockwise. In the second embodiment, the distance between the outer surface of the applicator roller and the surface of the aerosol generating substrate may be reduced compared to the first embodiment. In another embodiment, the system may comprise one applicator roller that rotates clockwise, one weighing roller that rotates counterclockwise, and one backing roller that rotates counterclockwise. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the system may comprise one applicator roller that rotates counterclockwise, one weighing roller that rotates clockwise, and one backing roller that rotates counterclockwise. As used herein, “clockwise direction” is defined with respect to the conveying direction. In other words, when a roller rotates clockwise, the roller rotates toward the conveying direction of the aerosol generating substrate. As used herein, “counterclockwise direction” is the direction of rotation opposite to the clockwise direction.
[0031] The system may be configured to adjust the rotational speed of each roller. Adjusting the roller speed may help to adjust the thickness of the additive deposited on at least one roller. Adjusting the roller speed may help to adjust the thickness of the additive deposited on the aerosol generation substrate. By adapting the relative rotational speed of the applicator roller to the conveyance speed of the aerosol generation substrate, it may be possible to more appropriately control the amount of additive deposited on the aerosol generation substrate. It is understood that the faster the rotational speed of the applicator roller relative to the conveyance speed of the aerosol generation substrate, the more additive can be deposited on the aerosol generation substrate. In an embodiment where the system includes an applicator roller and at least one of a metering roller or an intermediate roller, using different relative rotational speeds for at least two rollers may make it possible to adjust the thickness of the additive with higher accuracy than in embodiments where the relative rotational speeds are the same.
[0032] Furthermore, the rotation of the roller, specifically the continuous rotation of the roller, can prevent the presence of crystallized aggregates of the additive on the roller, thereby not interfering with the deposition and thickness of the additive. The crystallized aggregates of the additive may be pulverized between two rollers to a size of aggregates small enough not to impede the deposition of the additive.
[0033] At least one of the rollers described above may be made of metal, specifically steel. At least one of the rollers described above may be coated with rubber. Since the thermal expansion coefficient of rubber is smaller than that of metal, it may be preferable to heat the rubber-coated roller rather than the metal roller itself to prevent undesirable expansion. Heating may help, for example, keep the additive at a temperature range above its melting point. The system may comprise multiple metal rollers, some of which are covered with a rubber layer. Specifically, alternating metal rollers and rubber-coated rollers between the storage unit and the aerosol generating substrate helps to reduce roller wear.
[0034] The system may further include an adjustment device. The adjustment device may be configured to adjust the relative position of at least one roller with respect to the discharge opening of the storage section and the aerosol generating substrate. By adjusting two consecutive rollers closer together, a thinner layer of additive can be obtained.
[0035] 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. The optical sensing device may be positioned behind the applicator rollers with respect to the transport direction.
[0036] The discharge opening of the storage section may be calibrated to deposit a predetermined thickness of additive on the outer surface of the applicator roller, or, if the system has multiple rollers, on the outer surface of the roller closest to the discharge opening. The discharge opening of the storage section may have a width. The width may extend in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the applicator roller. The discharge opening of the storage section may have a length. The length may extend in a direction parallel to the conveying direction or in the circumferential direction of the roller. The length may be less than the width of the discharge opening. The discharge opening may have a first edge and a second edge. The first edge and the second edge may each extend along the width of the discharge opening. The first edge and the second edge may be separated from each other by a maximum of the length of the discharge opening. The first edge may be positioned in front of the second edge with respect to the rotation direction of the roller, i.e., the applicator roller if the system has only one roller, or the roller closest to the discharge opening if the system has multiple rollers. The first edge may be positioned closer to the roller, i.e., the applicator roller if the system includes only one roller, or the roller closest to the discharge opening if the system includes multiple rollers, than the second edge. The width of the discharge opening in the storage section may extend in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the applicator roller. The first edge may extend in a direction non-parallel to the second edge. The first edge may be positioned up to 0.010 millimeters away from the surface of the applicator roller or the roller closest to the discharge opening. The second edge may be positioned at least 0.020 millimeters away from the surface of the applicator roller or the roller closest to the discharge opening. This makes it possible to achieve a thickness of additive discharged onto the surface of the applicator roller with micro-millimeter precision, thereby improving the control and precision of additive deposition on the aerosol generating substrate. The width of the discharge opening may be specifically 20% shorter than the width of the aerosol generating substrate. The width of the discharge opening in the storage section defines the width of the additive coated onto 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 can therefore be controlled more precisely than by spray coating. The center of the width of the discharge opening of the storage unit may be positioned around the central axis of the long axis of the aerosol generating substrate. If the width of the discharge opening of the storage unit is shorter than the width of the aerosol generating substrate, this makes it possible to create margins of the same width without additive on both sides of the band of additive applied to the aerosol generating substrate. Thus, the distribution of the additive on the aerosol generating substrate can be controlled appropriately, and specifically more precisely.
[0037] The storage section may be provided with a first inlet for supplying the additive to the storage section. The storage section may be provided with a second inlet for supplying the inert gas to the storage section. The presence of the inert gas makes it possible to prevent not only oxidation of the additive but also other chemical reactions caused by the presence of air that could alter the composition of the additive. The inert gas may be argon or nitrogen. The pressure inside the storage section may be adapted to accommodate the additive at the ambient pressure of the air surrounding the system. The ambient pressure of the air may be about 1013.25 hectopascals (hPa).
[0038] The storage section may have a prismatic structure. The storage section may have a truncated prismatic shape. The storage section may have a rectangular parallelepiped structure. The storage section may have a triangular prismatic structure. The storage section may have a triangular prismatic structure. The storage section may have a first side and a second side, the first side being geometrically opposite to the second side. The first side may be connected to the second side by one or more side walls. The storage section may be formed integrally. The first side of the storage section may have a larger surface area than the second side of the storage section. The first side may have a rectangular surface. A discharge opening may be provided on the second side of the storage section.
[0039] The storage section may have at least two discharge openings, each configured for dispensing an additive. The at least two discharge openings may have the same dimensions and shape. Alternatively, the at least two discharge openings may have different sizes or shapes from each other. The system may have at least two storage sections. The first storage section may contain a first additive. The second storage section 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. With regard to the arrangement of the first and second storage sections relative to at least one applicator roller and aerosol generating substrate, specifically, it becomes possible to deposit a pattern of two strips of additive on the aerosol generating substrate with improved precision compared to spray coating.
[0040] The storage unit may be configured to contain and dispense additives in a liquid state. The system may include at least one heating device. This may improve the handling of the additive. This may reduce the viscosity of the additive. At least one heating device may be configured to heat the outer wall of the storage unit. Alternatively, at least one heating device may be configured to heat the inner wall of the storage unit. As used herein, the outer wall of the storage unit is exposed to the external environment. As used herein, the inner wall of the storage unit is adapted to be in surface contact with the additive contained within the storage unit. At least one heating device may be an infrared heating lamp. The storage unit may be provided with a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the outer wall or inner wall of the storage unit within the internal volume of the storage unit. Alternatively, or in combination, the storage unit may be provided with a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the additive contained within the storage unit. The temperature of the storage unit may be between 10°C and 50°C, specifically between 15°C and 35°C, more preferably between 22°C and 28°C. The temperature of the additive in the storage section may be 10°C to 50°C, specifically 15°C to 35°C, more preferably 22°C to 28°C. This may improve the processing capacity of the additive. Additives that form crystalline aggregates at ambient temperature of approximately 20°C may change to a liquid aggregate state at higher temperatures. This may facilitate flavor processing. This may facilitate the processing of additives that form crystalline aggregates at ambient room temperature, such as menthol.
[0041] The storage section may be equipped with a temperature control device. The temperature control device may be configured to monitor and control the temperature of the additive within the storage section. The temperature control device may advantageously enable the additive to be maintained at a predetermined temperature or temperature range, specifically above a predetermined temperature threshold. The system may include at least one heating device configured to generate heat in the additive contained within the storage section. The temperature control device may be configured with a minimum threshold temperature for maintaining the additive in a liquid state within the storage section. For example, the temperature control device may help ensure that a menthol-containing additive remains in a liquid state within the storage section, above the melting point of menthol, thereby preventing crystallization of the menthol. The temperature control device can help ensure the stability and consistency of the fluid properties of the additive, such as viscosity.
[0042] The system may include at least one heating device configured to generate heat in the additive dispensed onto at least one of the rollers. At least one heating device can enable the additive to be maintained in a liquid state with a specific viscosity coefficient on the outer surface of at least one roller. At least one of the rollers may be provided with a temperature sensor. At least one heating device may be configured so that at least one of the rollers, specifically the applicator roller, has a temperature of 0 to 70 degrees Celsius, specifically 5 to 60 degrees Celsius, more specifically 25 to 50 degrees Celsius. This may improve the processing capacity of the additive. Additives that form crystalline aggregates at ambient temperature of about 20 degrees Celsius may change to a liquid aggregate state at higher temperatures. This may facilitate flavor processing. This may facilitate the processing of additives that form crystalline aggregates at ambient room temperature, such as menthol. At least one heating device may be located inside each roller. At least one heating device may include an internal heating water circuit. Alternatively, or additionally, at least one heating device may be based on electrical resistance heating. At least one of the rollers may be a temperature-controlled heated roller. A temperature-controlled heated roller may help reduce any quality issues that may be caused by thermal damage to the rollers.
[0043] The system may include at least one cooling device. At least one cooling device may be configured to lower the temperature of the additives in the storage section. At least one cooling device may be configured to lower the temperature of the outer surface of at least one of the rollers. At least one of the rollers may be cooled by water flowing inside it.
[0044] The system may include at least one doctor blade. The doctor blade may include a metal blade, specifically a steel blade. The doctor blade may include a polymer blade. The blade of the doctor blade may have a straight, sharp edge. The blade of the doctor blade may have a chamfered edge. At least one doctor blade may be configured to adjust the thickness of the additive placed on a roller disposed at the discharge opening of the storage unit.
[0045] At least one doctor blade may be positioned behind the discharge opening of the storage section relative to the direction of rotation of the roller. The doctor blade may be configured to remove any remaining additive from the applicator roller. The doctor blade can provide the roller with a clean outer surface, i.e., a substantially additive-free portion of the roller, allowing the additive to be discharged from the storage section onto the clean surface of the roller. This can reduce variations in the thickness of the additive, thus allowing for more precise control of the additive thickness.
[0046] According to a second aspect of the present invention, specifically, an aerosol generating article is provided comprising an aerosol generating substrate according to one of the above embodiments, wherein the aerosol generating substrate comprises a strip of additive. The strip of additive is provided on the aerosol generating substrate. The strip of additive has a width shorter than the width of the aerosol generating substrate.
[0047] According to another aspect of the present invention, specifically, an aerosol generating article is provided comprising an aerosol generating substrate according to one of the above embodiments, wherein the aerosol generating substrate may include a strip of additives. The strip of additives may be provided on the aerosol generating substrate. The strip of additives may have a width shorter than the width of the aerosol generating substrate.
[0048] 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 the width of the additive strip may be less than 50%, specifically less than 30%, and more specifically less than 20%. The additive strip may have a thickness of at least 20 micrometers. Thus, 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.
[0049] A third 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 discharging an additive from a storage section to a roller through a discharge opening in the storage section, moving the aerosol generating substrate along the transport direction, and rotating the roller to apply the additive to the aerosol generating substrate.
[0050] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for applying an additive to an aerosol generating substrate for an aerosol generating article. The method may include discharging the additive from a storage section to a roller through a discharge opening in the storage section. The method may include moving the aerosol generating substrate along the conveying direction. The method may include rotating the roller to apply the additive to the aerosol generating substrate.
[0051] This may allow for the deposition of additives within the aerosol-generating substrate at clearly defined locations.
[0052] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the use of an applicator roller for applying an additive onto an aerosol-generating substrate for an aerosol-generating article is provided, wherein the additive comprises a flavor component. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0053] [Figure 1]Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system equipped with a single roller for manufacturing an aerosol generating substrate. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the system from Figure 1, but with a curved conveying direction compared to Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a system equipped with two rollers for manufacturing an aerosol generating substrate. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of the aerosol generating substrate after the additive has been applied. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a system for manufacturing an aerosol generating substrate, which includes a storage unit with two discharge openings. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of a system for manufacturing an aerosol generating substrate, which includes two storage units as illustrated in Figure 5. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0054] [Examples] 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.
[0055] Example 1: A system for applying an additive to an aerosol generating substrate for an aerosol generating article, comprising: an aerosol generating substrate; a storage section for containing an additive; and an applicator roller adapted to rotate around a rotation axis, wherein the storage section has a discharge opening for dispensing the additive to the applicator roller, and the applicator roller is configured to transfer the additive from the applicator roller to the aerosol generating substrate by the rotational motion of the applicator roller around its rotation axis and the relative motion of the aerosol generating substrate with respect to the applicator roller in the transport direction. Example 2: The system according to Example 1, further comprising a conveyor device configured to transport an aerosol generating substrate in the transport direction relative to an applicator roller. Example 3: The system according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the axis of rotation of at least one roller is perpendicular to the conveying direction. Example 4: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the aerosol generating substrate is made of crimped aerosol generating material. Example 5: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the aerosol generating substrate has a thickness of 0.110 to 0.380 mm, specifically 0.170 to 0.270 mm. Example 6: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the aerosol generating substrate is a herbaceous plant or a cast sheet derived from a plant. Example 7: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the aerosol generating substrate contains an alkaloid, specifically nicotine. Example 8: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the aerosol generating substrate does not contain tobacco. Example 9: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the aerosol generating substrate is a fibrous material. Example 10: The system according to Example 9, wherein the aerosol generating substrate is a plastic fiber material, more preferably a biodegradable fiber material, more preferably cotton, and more preferably cellulose. Example 11: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the additive is at least partially absorbed into the aerosol generating substrate. Example 12: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 7 or Examples 9 to 11, wherein the aerosol generating substrate is a homogenized tobacco sheet. Example 13: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the additive contains at least one flavor component. Example 14: The system according to Example 13, wherein the additive contains an essential oil. Example 15: The system according to Example 13 or 14, wherein the flavor component contains natural or synthetic menthol. Example 16: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, further comprising at least one intermediate roller disposed between a storage unit and an applicator roller, wherein at least one intermediate roller is configured to transfer the additive discharged from the discharge opening of the storage unit to the applicator roller. Example 17: The system according to Example 16, wherein at least one intermediate roller is a weighing roller. Example 18: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 17, further comprising at least two applicator rollers, each having its own axis of rotation, wherein the axes of rotation of at least two applicator rollers coincide with each other. Example 19: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 18, further comprising at least one backing roller, wherein at least one backing roller and an applicator roller are arranged to apply pressure to the aerosol generating substrate from both sides. Example 20: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein at least one or all of the applicator rollers, intermediate rollers, weighing rollers, and backing rollers of the system are made of metal, specifically steel. Example 21: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 20, wherein at least one or all of the applicator rollers, intermediate rollers, metering rollers, and backing rollers of the system are covered with rubber. Example 22: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 21, further comprising an adjustment device configured to adjust the relative position of at least one of the applicator roller, intermediate roller, metering roller, and backing roller with respect to the discharge opening of the storage section and the aerosol generating substrate. Example 23: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 22, further comprising an optical sensing device for detecting the presence of an additive on an aerosol generating substrate. Example 24: The system according to Example 23, wherein the optical sensing device is positioned behind the applicator rollers with respect to the transport direction. Example 25: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 24, wherein the discharge opening of the storage section has a width, the discharge opening of the storage section has a length less than the width of the discharge opening, the discharge opening comprises a first edge and a second edge, the first edge and the second edge are separated from each other by a maximum length of the discharge opening, the first edge is positioned in front of the second edge with respect to the rotational direction of the roller, and the first edge is positioned closer to the roller than the second edge. Example 26: The system according to Example 25, wherein the width of the discharge opening of the storage section extends in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the applicator roller. Example 27: The system according to Example 25 or 26, wherein the first edge is positioned at a distance of up to 0.010 millimeters from the surface of the roller. Example 28: The system according to any one of Examples 25 to 27, wherein the second edge is positioned at a distance of at least 0.020 millimeters from the surface of the roller. Example 29: The system according to any one of Examples 25 to 28, wherein the width of the discharge opening is shorter than the width of the aerosol generating substrate, specifically by 20%. Example 30: The system according to any one of Examples 25 to 29, wherein the width of the discharge opening of the storage unit is arranged perpendicular to the central axis of the long axis of the aerosol generating substrate, and the center of the width of the discharge opening of the storage unit is positioned around the central axis of the long axis of the aerosol generating substrate. Example 31: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 30, wherein the storage unit comprises a first inlet for supplying an additive to the storage unit and a second inlet for supplying an inert gas to the storage unit. Example 32: The system according to Example 31, wherein the inert gas is argon or nitrogen. Example 33: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 32, wherein the pressure inside the storage section is adapted to accommodate the additive at the ambient pressure of the air surrounding the system. Example 34: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 33, wherein the additive is discharged from the storage section to the applicator by the action of gravity. Example 35: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 34, wherein the storage section comprises at least two discharge openings, each configured for discharging an additive. Example 36: The system according to Example 35, wherein at least two discharge openings have the same dimensions. Example 37: The system according to Example 35, wherein at least two discharge openings are of different sizes from each other. Example 38: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 37, comprising at least two storage compartments, wherein the first storage compartment contains a first additive and the second storage compartment contains a second additive. Example 39: The system described in Example 38, wherein the first additive and the second additive are the same additive. Example 40: The system described in Example 38, wherein the first additive is different from the second additive. Example 41: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 40, wherein a temperature control device is provided in the storage section, and the temperature control device is configured to monitor and control the temperature of the additive in the storage section. Example 42: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 41, wherein the storage unit is configured to contain and dispense additives in a liquid state within the storage unit. Example 43: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 42, comprising at least one heating device configured to generate heat for an additive contained in a storage section. Example 44: The system according to Example 41, wherein the temperature control device comprises a minimum threshold temperature for maintaining the additive in a liquid state within the storage section. Example 45: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 44, comprising at least one heating device configured to generate heat in an additive discharged onto at least one of the rollers. Example 46: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 45, wherein at least one of the applicator rollers or intermediate rollers is a temperature-controlled heating roller. Example 47: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 46, comprising at least one doctor blade, wherein at least one doctor blade is configured to adjust the thickness of an additive placed on a roller disposed at the discharge opening of a storage section. Example 48: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 47, comprising at least one doctor blade, wherein at least one doctor blade is positioned behind the discharge opening of the storage section relative to the direction of rotation of the roller, and the doctor blade is configured to remove any remaining additive from the applicator roller. Example 49: In particular, an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating substrate as described in any one of the prior claims, 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. Example 50: The aerosol generating article according to Example 49, wherein the additive band has thickness, and the variation in the thickness of the additive band along the width of the additive band is less than 50%, specifically less than 30%. Example 51: The additive band has a thickness of at least 20 micrometers, as described in Example 49 or 50 of the aerosol-generating article. Example 52: A method for applying an additive to an aerosol generating substrate for an aerosol generating article, comprising: discharging an additive from a storage section to a roller through a discharge opening in the storage section; moving an aerosol generating substrate along a conveying direction; and rotating the roller to apply the additive to the aerosol generating substrate. Example 53: Use of an applicator roller for applying an additive onto an aerosol generating substrate for an aerosol generating article, wherein the additive contains flavor components.
[0056] Here, we will further describe the examples with reference to the figures.
[0057] Figure 1 shows a system 1 for applying an additive to an aerosol generating substrate 3 being transported by a conveyor device 5 in the transport direction 101. System 1 comprises an applicator roller 11. The applicator roller 11 is adapted to rotate around a rotation axis 103. The rotation axis 103 is positioned transversely to the transport direction 101. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the applicator roller 11 rotates clockwise (see arrow) around the rotation axis 103, and its circumference moves tangentially to the transport direction 101. In a modified example, the applicator roller 11 can rotate in the opposite direction. The applicator roller 11 may be made of metal, specifically steel. The aerosol generating substrate 3 is transported and pressurized between the applicator roller 11 and a backing roller 13. The backing roller 13 rotates around a rotation axis 105 (see arrow). The rotation axis 105 is parallel to the rotation axis 103. The backing roller 13 rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation of the applicator roller 11. The backing roller 13 may be made of metal, specifically steel. If necessary, the backing roller 13 may be covered with a layer of rubber 15. The backing roller 13 may be part of the conveying device 5.
[0058] System 1 further comprises a storage section 17. In the embodiment illustrated by Figure 1, the storage section 17 has the shape of a truncated prism. The storage section 17 is provided with a rectangular base 19. The rectangular base 19 is geometrically opposite the discharge opening 21 of the storage section 17. The discharge opening 21 is defined by a width in the direction parallel to the rotation axis 103 of the applicator roller 11 (perpendicular to the cross-sectional view in Figure 1, but shown in the top view in Figure 4) and a length 23 in the direction parallel to the conveying direction 100. In the embodiment illustrated by Figure 1, the length 23 of the discharge opening 21 is smaller than the width of the discharge opening 21. The discharge opening 21 comprises a first edge 25 and a second edge 27. The first edge 25 and the second edge 27 each extend along the width of the discharge opening 21 and are separated from each other by the length 23 of the discharge opening 21. The first edge 25 is positioned in front of the second edge 27 with respect to the rotational direction of the applicator roller 11 around the rotation axis 103 (see arrow). The first edge 25 is positioned closer to the outer surface 29 of the applicator roller 11 than the second edge 27. The distance 31 between the first edge 25 and the outer surface 29 of the applicator roller 11 allows for precise control of the thickness of the additive 33 discharged from the storage section 17, specifically to a thickness of micro-millimeter precision. The additive 33 is discharged to the applicator roller 11 through the discharge opening 21 by the action of gravity. The additive 33 is in a liquid state within the storage section 17. A heating device 35 may be provided in the storage section 17 to maintain the additive 33 in a liquid state, i.e., at a suitable viscosity. The heating device 35 may be disposed on the inner or outer wall of the storage section 17. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the heating device 35 is provided on the outer surfaces of the respective side walls 37, 39 of the storage section 17. The side wall 37 extends from the first edge 25 to the base 19. The side wall 39 extends from the second edge 27 to the base 19.
[0059] The additive 33 may contain at least one flavor component. The at least one flavor component may be menthol. To avoid undesirable chemical reactions of the additive 33 in the storage section 17, specifically oxidation caused by exposure to ambient air, the storage section contains an inert gas 41. The inert gas 41 is supplied to the storage section 17 via pipe 43 and the corresponding valve 45. Similarly, the additive 33 is supplied to the storage section 17 via pipe 47 and the corresponding valve 49.
[0060] In the system 1 according to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, system 1 further comprises doctor blades 51, 53. The first doctor blade 51 is positioned between the discharge opening 21 and the aerosol generating substrate 3 when the aerosol generating substrate 3 is positioned after the discharge opening 21 according to the rotational direction of the applicator roller 11 around the rotation axis 103 (see arrow). Thus, the first doctor blade 51 is positioned relative to the applicator roller 11 before depositing the additive 33 onto the aerosol generating substrate 3. The first doctor blade 51 allows for further improvement in forming the desired thickness of the additive 33 by adjusting the position of the first doctor blade 51 relative to the outer surface 29 of the applicator roller 11. For example, the first doctor blade 51 may be positioned to remove an excess amount of additive 33 relative to the desired thickness of the additive 33. The second doctor blade 53 is positioned between the discharge opening 21 and the aerosol generating substrate 3 when the aerosol generating substrate 3 is positioned in front of the discharge opening 21 according to the rotational direction of the applicator roller 11 around the rotation axis 103 (see arrow). Thus, the second doctor blade 53 is positioned against the applicator roller 11 after the additive 33 has been deposited on the aerosol generating substrate 3. The second doctor blade 53 is configured to remove any remaining additive 33 from the outer surface 29 of the applicator roller 11.
[0061] Once the additive 33 is deposited onto the aerosol generating substrate 3 by the applicator roller 11, the aerosol generating substrate 3 is conveyed downstream 107 toward the funnel-shaped device 55. The funnel-shaped device 55 is configured to bend the aerosol generating substrate 3 into segments, specifically into rod shapes, in order to produce an aerosol generating article (not shown).
[0062] In the embodiment illustrated by Figure 1, the transport direction 101 is parallel to and aligned with the downstream direction 107. Figure 2 shows a modified version of system 1 of Figure 1, where the transport direction 109 is inclined with respect to the downstream direction 107. The system of Figure 2 is similar to the system of Figure 1, and the same reference numerals are used to identify similar elements. In the embodiment illustrated by Figure 2, the transport direction 109 is inclined with respect to the downstream direction 107 by an angle of inclination 111. The angle of inclination 111 is approximately 45 degrees in the schematic diagram of Figure 2. The angle of inclination 111 may be defined in relation to the convexity of the outer surface 29 of the applicator roller 11. As shown by the dotted circle 57 in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the length of the aerosol generating substrate 3 upstream of the applicator roller 11 is bent with respect to the downstream direction 107. In this inclined configuration, as shown by the dotted circle 57 in Figure 2, the length of the aerosol generating substrate 3 may be longer and in contact with the applicator roller 11 than in the configuration where the transport direction 101 is parallel to the downstream direction 107. The configuration in Figure 2 helps to stabilize the amount of additive 33 deposited on the aerosol generating substrate 3 and improve the consistency of the deposit. It also increases the amount of additive 33 deposited on the aerosol generating substrate 3.
[0063] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of System 2 for manufacturing an aerosol generating substrate 3 comprising two rollers 11, 12. Elements of System 2 that are similar to elements of System 1 described above with respect to Figure 1 are identified by the same odd-numbered reference numerals. Elements of System 2 that are different from elements of System 1 are indicated by even-numbered reference numerals. In the embodiment shown by Figure 3, System 2 comprises an applicator roller 11 and an intermediate roller 12. The applicator roller 11 is configured to contact the aerosol generating substrate 3 for applying an additive. The intermediate roller 12 is positioned at an intermediate location between the discharge opening 21 of the storage unit 17 and the applicator roller 11. Specifically, the intermediate roller 12 may be a metering roller 12. In modified examples not illustrated, System 2 may comprise two or more intermediate rollers 12. The intermediate rollers 12 are adapted to rotate about a rotation axis 102, which is parallel to a rotation axis 103. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the applicator roller 11 rotates clockwise (see arrow) around the axis of rotation 103 with respect to the conveying direction 101, while the intermediate roller 12 rotates in the opposite direction, i.e., counterclockwise (see arrow) around the axis of rotation 102. The intermediate roller 12 may be covered with a rubber layer (not shown). The rubber layer of the intermediate roller 12 may be heated, specifically to maintain the additive 33 in a liquid state. The intermediate roller 12 helps to further control the amount of additive deposited on the aerosol generating substrate 3. In fact, by adjusting the distance 14 between the applicator roller 11 and the intermediate roller 12, it is possible to better define the thickness of the additive 33 than in a system with a single roller 11.
[0064] Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of the aerosol generating substrate 3 after application of additive 33, obtained by system 1 or 2. The aerosol generating substrate 3 comprises a strip 59 of additive 33. The strip 59 of additive 33 is provided on the aerosol generating substrate 3. The strip 59 of additive 33 may be partially absorbed by the aerosol generating substrate 3, specifically depending on the porosity of the aerosol generating substrate 3. The strip 59 of additive 33 has a width 61 shorter than the width 63 of the aerosol generating substrate 3. The width 61 of the additive 33 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 by spray application. The width 61 of the strip 59 of additive 33 is defined by the width 65 of the discharge opening 21 of the storage section 17. The width 65 of the discharge opening 21 extends along the first edge 25 and the second edge 27 of the discharge opening 21, respectively. As described with respect to Figure 1, the first edge 25 and the second edge 27 are separated from each other by the length 23 of the discharge opening 21. In the embodiment shown by Figure 4, the width 65 of the discharge opening 21 is shorter than the width 63 of the aerosol generating substrate 3. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown by Figure 4, the center of the width 65 of the discharge opening 21 of the storage unit 17 is centered on the central axis 113 of the aerosol generating substrate 3 in the longitudinal direction. Because the width 65 of the discharge opening 21 of the storage unit 17 is shorter than the width 63 of the aerosol generating substrate 3, it is possible to create margins 67 of the same width on both sides of the additive strip 59 of additive 33 that are free of additive. Thus, systems 1 and 2 according to the present invention enable the production of aerosol generating substrates 3 having an additive 33 distribution that can be better defined and controlled, in particular with respect to known additive spraying methods.
[0065] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of system 1 having a storage unit 170. The storage unit 170 differs from the storage unit 17 described above with reference to Figure 1 in that it has two discharge openings 21 and 210, rather than just one discharge opening 21. The discharge opening 210 is not visible in the cross-sectional view of Figure 5, but is indicated by a dotted arrow for clarity. The discharge openings 21 and 210 are spaced 69 units apart from each other. As a result, the respective strips 59 and 590 of additive 33 on the aerosol generating substrate 3 are spaced 69 units apart from each other. Therefore, by adjusting the number and dimensions of the discharge openings, a specific pattern of additive strips can be advantageously achieved.
[0066] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of system 1 having two storage sections 170, as described with reference to Figure 5. The first storage section 170 contains the first additive 33. The first additive 33 is supplied to the first storage section 170 by a pipe 47, as described with reference to Figure 1. The second storage section 170 contains the second additive 330. The second additive 330 is supplied to the first storage section 170 by a pipe 47, as described with reference to Figure 1. The first additive 33 may be different from the second additive 330. As a result, an aerosol generating substrate 3 is obtained having four bands 59, 590 of additives 33, 330, specifically, two bands 59, 590 of the first additive 33 and two bands of the second additive 330.
[0067] 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 system for applying an additive to an aerosol generating substrate for an aerosol generating article, Aerosol generating substrate and A storage section comprising a storage section that contains an additive, It features an applicator roller adapted to rotate around a pivot axis, The storage unit is provided with a discharge opening for dispensing the additive to the applicator roller, A system in which the applicator roller is configured to transfer the additive from the applicator roller to the aerosol generating substrate by rotational motion of the applicator roller about its axis of rotation, and relative motion of the aerosol generating substrate with respect to the applicator roller in the conveying direction.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating substrate is a homogenized tobacco sheet.
3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the additive comprises at least one flavor component.
4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising at least one intermediate roller disposed between the storage unit and the applicator roller, wherein the at least one intermediate roller is configured to transfer the additive discharged from the discharge opening of the storage unit to the applicator roller.
5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the at least one intermediate roller is a weighing roller.
6. It also has at least one additional backing roller, The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one backing roller and the applicator roller are arranged to apply pressure to the aerosol generating substrate from both sides.
7. The discharge opening of the storage section has a width, The discharge opening of the storage unit has a length smaller than the width of the discharge opening. The discharge opening comprises a first edge and a second edge, and the first edge and the second edge are separated from each other by a maximum length of the discharge opening. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first edge is positioned in front of the second edge with respect to the rotational direction of the roller, and the first edge is positioned closer to the roller than the second edge.
8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the storage unit comprises a first inlet for supplying the additive to the storage unit and a second inlet for supplying an inert gas to the storage unit.
9. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising at least two storage compartments, wherein the first storage compartment contains a first additive and the second storage compartment contains a second additive.
10. The storage unit is equipped with a temperature control device. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the temperature control device is configured to monitor and control the temperature of the additive in the storage section.
11. Equipped with at least one Doctor Blade, The system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one doctor blade is configured to adjust the thickness of the additive placed on the roller disposed at the discharge opening of the storage unit.
12. Equipped with at least one Doctor Blade, The at least one doctor blade is positioned behind the discharge opening of the storage unit with respect to the rotation direction of the roller, The system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the doctor blade is configured to remove any remaining additive from the applicator roller.
13. The system comprises an aerosol generating substrate formed by any one of claims 1 to 12, The aerosol generating substrate includes a band of additives, The aforementioned additive band is provided on the aerosol generating substrate, and An aerosol generating article in which 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, Discharging the additive from the storage section through the discharge opening of the storage section to the roller, The aerosol generating substrate is moved along the transport direction, A method comprising rotating the roller to apply the additive to the aerosol generating substrate.
15. Use of an applicator roller for applying an additive onto an aerosol generating substrate for an aerosol generating article, wherein the additive contains a flavor component.