Fabrication of aerosol generating rod using curved and tapering contact surface

Abstract

FIELD: aerosol generating products.SUBSTANCE: method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating rod, device for manufacturing an aerosol-generating rod, and the use of a contact surface in the method for manufacturing the rod. A method for producing an aerosol generating rod comprises: moving a material in the form of a web along a contact surface of a contact element such that the material in the form of a web is in contact with the contact surface, feeding an additive through at least one hole for feeding an additive formed in the contact surface, and moving the material in the form of a web through a collecting device located downstream of the contact element, wherein the material in the form of a web is formed into a rod inside the collecting device. The contact surface is curved around the axial direction and tapers along the axial direction, wherein the continuous portion of the contact surface covers at least an angle of 90 degrees around the axial direction. It is ensured that contact of the material with the susceptor is prevented immediately after the additive has been applied to the material through at least one additive dosing hole.EFFECT: susceptor guide prevents excess amounts of additive from sticking to the susceptor and the material is pre-formed into a web-like rod inside the collecting device.13 cl, 8 dwg

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the production of aerosol generating rods using a web-shaped material.

[0002] It is known from practice that a web-like material is formed in a molding device to produce a rod for use in the manufacture of aerosol-generating products. The rod can contain a susceptor, which allows heat to be generated by exposing the susceptor to an alternating magnetic field. This allows the rod to be heated from the inside, triggering the release of aerosol from the rod.

[0003] According to the first aspect of the present invention, a method for producing an aerosol-generating rod is proposed. A web-like material is moved along the contact surface of a contact element such that the web-like material is in contact with the contact surface. The contact surface is curved around the axial direction. The contact surface tapers along the axial direction. A continuous portion of the contact surface covers at least an angle of 90 degrees around the axial direction. An additive is distributed through at least one additive supply opening provided in the contact surface. The web-like material moves through a collecting device. The collecting device is located downstream of the contact element. The web-like material is formed into a rod inside the collecting device.

[0004] Since the web-shaped material is in contact with a contact surface having at least one additive feed opening, the additive can be fed adjacent to the web-shaped material. The distance between the at least one additive feed opening and the web-shaped material moving along the contact surface can be, for example, less than five millimeters, or less than three millimeters, or less than two millimeters, or less than one millimeter, or less than 0.5 millimeters.

[0005] The contact surface may be at least partially coated with an additive. The additive at least partially coating the contact surface may be an additive supplied through at least one supply opening. Contact between the web-shaped material and the contact surface may improve the distribution of the additive throughout the web-shaped material.

[0006] At least a portion of the additive may be applied directly to the web-shaped material from at least one additive supply opening. For example, at least a portion of the additive may be sprayed directly onto the web-shaped material from at least one additive supply opening. The at least one additive supply opening may comprise a nozzle that sprays the additive onto the web-shaped material.

[0007] At least a portion of the additive supplied through at least one additive supply hole may be indirectly applied to the web-shaped material through the contact surface. At least a portion of the additive may be applied from the at least one additive supply hole to the contact surface and from the contact surface to the web-shaped material.

[0008] The material can be moved along the contact surface in a web-like manner along the axial direction. The material can be moved along the contact surface in the direction of the collecting device.

[0009] As a result of contact with the contact surface, the web-shaped material can be deformed. As a result of contact with the contact surface, at least a portion of the web-shaped material can be deformed to conform to the shape of the contact surface. Since the contact surface is curved around the axial direction, the web-shaped material can be deformed to be curved around the axial direction when moving along the contact surface. Since the contact surface is tapered along the axial direction, the web-shaped material can be deformed to be tapered along the axial direction when moving along the contact surface.

[0010] When the web material moves along the contact surface, the sidewalls of the web material may be deformed relative to the center of the web material due to the web material taking the shape of the contact surface. The sidewalls of the web material may be deformed toward each other. Deformation of the web material due to contact with the contact surface may reduce the size of the web material in the transverse direction, which is perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0011] By contacting the contact surface, the web-shaped material can be pre-formed in a manner that facilitates the formation of the web-shaped material into a rod within the collecting device. The web-shaped material can be deformed by contact with the contact surface in a manner that facilitates the feeding of the web-shaped material into the collecting device. By contacting the contact surface, the shape of the web-shaped material can be made more compact.

[0012] Since the continuous portion of the contact surface covers at least an angle of 90 degrees around the axial direction, the web-like material can be in contact with the contact surface at least at an angle of 90 degrees around the axial direction. The continuous portion of the contact surface can cover an angle of 90 degrees or more around the axial direction. The continuous portion of the contact surface can cover an angle of at least 100 degrees, or at least 120 degrees, or at least 140 degrees, or at least 160 degrees, or at least 180 degrees, or at least 200 degrees, or at least 220 degrees, or at least 240 degrees, or at least 260 degrees, or at least 280 degrees, or at least 300 degrees, or at least 320 degrees, or at least 340 degrees around the axial direction.A continuous portion of the contact surface can cover an angle of 360 degrees around the axial direction.

[0013] At least the entire continuous portion of the contact surface may be curved around the axial direction. At least the entire continuous portion of the contact surface may be continuously curved around the axial direction. At least the continuous portion of the contact surface may have a constant curvature around the axial direction.

[0014] At least the entire continuous portion of the contact surface may taper along the axial direction. At least the entire continuous portion of the contact surface may have a slope that is constant along the axial direction.

[0015] The collecting device may include a side wall defining a forming space. Web-shaped material can be moved through the forming space of the collecting device. The web-shaped material can be formed into a rod by interaction with the side wall of the collecting device. The collecting device may be funnel-shaped. The open cross-section of the collecting device may decrease along the path of the web-shaped material.

[0016] The web-shaped material can be moved along the contact surface such that only one side of the web-shaped material is in contact with the contact surface. The additive can be applied to only one side of the web-shaped material. Said one side of the web-shaped material can be the upper side of the web-shaped material or the lower side of the web-shaped material. Said one side of the web-shaped material can be the side of the web-shaped material that faces away from the side wall of the collecting device when the web-shaped material enters the collecting device. Applying the additive to only one side of the web-shaped material reduces or prevents the transfer of the additive from the web-shaped material to equipment that comes into contact with the other side of the web-shaped material.For example, contamination of the sidewall of the collecting device with additive may be reduced or prevented if the additive is applied only to the side of the web material that faces away from the sidewall of the collecting device as it moves through the collecting device.

[0017] The contact element may have a conical shape. The web-shaped material may be pre-formed into a conical shape by contact with the contact element to facilitate contact of the web-shaped material with the rod.

[0018] The length of the contact surface extension along the axial direction may be at least one centimeter, or at least two centimeters, or at least three centimeters, or at least four centimeters, or at least five centimeters. The length of the contact surface extension along the axial direction may be less than fifteen centimeters, or less than twelve centimeters, or less than ten centimeters, or less than eight centimeters, or less than six centimeters, or less than five centimeters. The length of the contact surface extension along the axial direction may be from one centimeter to ten centimeters, or from two centimeters to six centimeters, or from three centimeters to five centimeters.

[0019] At least one additive supply hole may comprise a plurality of additive supply holes, for example, at least two additive supply holes, or at least four additive supply holes, or at least six additive supply holes, or at least ten additive supply holes.

[0020] The additive can be supplied through a plurality of additive supply holes. The plurality of additive supply holes can be provided at different angular positions around the axial direction.

[0021] The method may further comprise moving the susceptor through a collecting device. Inside the collecting device, a web-like material may be formed around the susceptor into a rod. The rod may accommodate the susceptor. The rod may accommodate the susceptor in the center. The susceptor may comprise a metallic material or be made of a metallic material. The susceptor may be capable of being heated by exposure to electromagnetic radiation, in particular alternating electromagnetic radiation. Heating the susceptor may allow the rod to be heated from within the rod. When the rod is heated, the rod may release an aerosol for consumption by the user. The susceptor may be a filament of material. The filament of material may have a circular cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, a triangular cross-section, or an elliptical cross-section, for example.

[0022] The web-like material may be deformed by contact with the contact surface such that the web-like material is at least partially curved around the susceptor upon entering the collecting device. The web-like material may be pre-formed by contact with the contact surface to reduce the risk of damage to the web-like material upon contact between the web-like material and the susceptor. The web-like material may be pre-formed by contact with the contact surface to facilitate folding of the web-like material around the susceptor.

[0023] The method may further include moving the susceptor through the contact element. The susceptor can be moved through the contact element along the axial direction. Moving the susceptor through the contact element can facilitate the bending of the web-like material around the susceptor.

[0024] The susceptor can be moved through a susceptor guide. The susceptor guide can extend beyond the contact element along the axial direction. The susceptor guide can pass through the contact element. The susceptor guide can comprise a sleeve surrounding the susceptor. The susceptor guide can be positioned upstream of the collecting device.

[0025] The susceptor guide may comprise a susceptor outlet. The susceptor may exit the susceptor guide through the susceptor outlet. The susceptor outlet may be located upstream of the collecting device. The susceptor outlet may be located downstream of the contact element. The distance between the contact element and the susceptor outlet may be at least one centimeter, or at least two centimeters, or at least three centimeters, or at least four centimeters, or at least five centimeters, or at least six centimeters, or at least seven centimeters, or at least ten centimeters. The distance between the contact element and the susceptor outlet may be less than 30 centimeters, or less than 20 centimeters, or less than 15 centimeters, or less than ten centimeters, or less than five centimeters.

[0026] The web-shaped material can be moved along the additional contact surface. The web-shaped material can be in contact with the additional contact surface. The web-shaped material can be deformed by contact with the additional contact surface.

[0027] The additive can be supplied through at least one additional additive supply hole. The at least one additional additive supply hole can be formed in the additional contact surface. The additive supplied through the at least one additional additive supply hole can be the same type of additive as the additive supplied through the at least one additive supply hole. The additive supplied through the at least one additional additive supply hole can be a different type of additive than the additive supplied through the at least one additive supply hole.

[0028] An additional contact surface can be placed upstream of the contact surface. An additional contact surface can be placed downstream of the contact surface.

[0029] The additional contact surface may be curved around the axial direction. The additional contact surface may have no curvature along the axial direction. The additional contact surface may be parallel to the axial direction.

[0030] The additional contact surface may be formed by an additional contact element. The additional contact element may be, for example, a cylindrical element or an elliptical element.

[0031] A contact element comprising a contact surface and an additional contact element comprising an additional contact surface may be part of an additive supply unit. A susceptor guide may be part of the additive supply unit. The contact element may be detached from the additional contact element. The susceptor guide may be detached from the contact element. The susceptor guide may be detached from the additional contact element. The contact element, additional contact element, and susceptor guide may be separated into separate parts. Detaching the parts may facilitate cleaning. Detaching the parts may facilitate replacing one or more parts while maintaining the remaining parts.

[0032] The method may include corrugating a web-shaped material. Corrugating the web-shaped material may facilitate deformation of the web-shaped material. Corrugating the web-shaped material may include forming ridges and grooves in the web-shaped material. The ridges and grooves may extend in a direction parallel to the direction of movement of the web-shaped material. Corrugation may be performed in a corrugating device. The corrugating device may be located upstream of the contact surface. The corrugating device may be located downstream of the contact surface.

[0033] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a device for producing an aerosol-generating rod is proposed. The device comprises an additive application unit, a conveyor system, and a collecting device. The additive application unit comprises a contact element that forms a contact surface. At least one opening for feeding the additive is formed in the contact surface. The conveyor system is configured to move a web-like material along the contact surface such that the web-like material is in contact with the contact surface. The collecting device is located downstream of the additive application unit. The additive application unit comprises a susceptor guide configured to guide the susceptor. The susceptor extends beyond the contact element in the direction of the collecting device.The conveyor system is configured to move material in the form of a web through a collecting device for forming the material in the form of a web inside the collecting device around the susceptor into a rod.

[0034] Since the susceptor guide extends beyond the contact element toward the collecting device, the susceptor guide can guide the susceptor between the contact element and the collecting device. The susceptor guide can prevent the web-shaped material from coming into contact with the susceptor immediately after the additive is applied to the web-shaped material through at least one additive supply hole. The susceptor guide can prevent excessive amounts of additive from adhering to the susceptor.

[0035] The contact surface can be curved around the axial direction.

[0036] The at least one additive supply hole may comprise a plurality of additive supply holes arranged at different angular positions around the axial direction.

[0037] The contact surface may be tapered along the axial direction.

[0038] The continuous portion of the contact surface may overlap at least an angle of 90 degrees around the axial direction.

[0039] The conveyor system may be configured to move a web-like material along a contact surface such that only one side of the web-like material is in contact with the contact surface.

[0040] The contact element may have a conical shape.

[0041] The susceptor guide may include a sleeve through which the susceptor moves. The sleeve may extend along the axial direction. The sleeve may protrude from the downstream side of the contact element.

[0042] The conveyor system may be configured to move the susceptor. The conveyor system may be configured to move the susceptor through a susceptor guide. The conveyor system may be configured to move the susceptor through a collecting device. The conveyor system may be configured to move the susceptor through an opening in a contact element. The conveyor system may be configured to move the susceptor through the contact element.

[0043] The susceptor guide may extend at least partially through the contact element. The susceptor guide may extend completely through the contact element.

[0044] The susceptor guide may include a susceptor outlet. The susceptor outlet may be located upstream of the collecting device. The susceptor outlet may be located downstream of the contact element. The susceptor outlet may be located between the contact element and the collecting device. The susceptor outlet may face axially. The susceptor outlet may be formed by the downstream end of the susceptor guide.

[0045] The contact element and the susceptor guide can be combined, in particular, combined with the possibility of separation.

[0046] The additive application unit may comprise an additional contact element. The additional contact element may comprise an additional contact surface. The conveyor system may be configured to move the material in the form of a web along the additional contact surface. The conveyor system may be configured to move the material in the form of a web in contact with the additional contact surface.

[0047] At least one additional hole for feeding an additive may be formed in the additional contact surface.

[0048] An additional contact surface can be placed further downstream from the contact surface.

[0049] The additional contact element may be a cylindrical contact element.

[0050] The contact element and the additional contact element can be combined with the possibility of separation.

[0051] The additional contact element and the susceptor guide can be combined with the possibility of separation.

[0052] The device may further comprise a corrugating device configured to corrugate the material into a web. The corrugating device may be located upstream of the additive application unit. The corrugating device may be located downstream of the additive application unit.

[0053] The device may further comprise an additive reservoir. At least one additive supply port may be connected to the additive reservoir. The at least one additive supply port may be configured to supply additive from the additive reservoir.

[0054] At least one additional additive supply port may be connected to the additive reservoir or to an additional additive reservoir. The at least one additional additive supply port may be configured to supply the additive from the additive reservoir or from the additional additive reservoir.

[0055] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of a contact surface having at least one opening for feeding an additive formed therein in a method for producing an aerosol-generating rod for applying an additive to a web-shaped material and pre-shaping the web-shaped material before feeding the web-shaped material into a collecting device, where the web-shaped material is formed into a rod. The contact surface is curved around an axial direction. The contact surface tapers along the axial direction. A continuous portion of the contact surface covers at least an angle of 90 degrees around the axial direction.

[0056] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a device for producing an aerosol-generating rod is provided. The device comprises a contact element and a conveyor system. The contact element forms a contact surface. At least one opening for feeding an additive is formed in the contact surface. The conveyor system is configured to move a web-like material along the contact surface in an axial direction such that the web-like material is in contact with the contact surface. The extension of the contact surface along the axial direction is less than 10 millimeters.

[0057] A narrow contact surface configuration with an axial contact surface extension dimension of less than 10 millimeters can reduce contamination of the contact element by additive supplied through at least one additive supply hole. Furthermore, a narrow contact surface can reduce friction between the web-shaped material and the contact surface.

[0058] The length dimension of the contact surface along the axial direction may be from one millimeter to ten millimeters, or from two millimeters to eight millimeters, or from two millimeters to six millimeters, or from three millimeters to four millimeters.

[0059] The size of the extension of the contact surface in the transverse direction perpendicular to the axial direction may be, for example, from 30 millimeters to 200 millimeters, or from 50 millimeters to 180 millimeters, or from 70 millimeters to 160 millimeters.

[0060] The contact surface may be flat. The contact surface may have no curvature in the transverse direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The contact surface may be a horizontal contact surface.

[0061] The opening direction of at least one additive supply hole may be perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0062] At least one additive supply hole may comprise a plurality of additive supply holes. The additive supply holes may be arranged at different positions along a transverse direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The additive supply holes may be arranged in a line. The line may extend perpendicular to the axial direction. The additive supply holes may be spaced at regular intervals.

[0063] The device may further comprise a collecting device. The collecting device may be positioned downstream of the contact element. The conveyor system may be configured to move the web-form material through the collecting device to form the web-form material within the collecting device into a rod.

[0064] The conveyor system can be configured to move the susceptor through a collecting device. Inside the collecting device, the web-shaped material can be formed into a rod around the susceptor.

[0065] The device may further comprise an adjustment unit. The adjustment unit may be configured to adjust at least one of the position and orientation of the contact element. By adjusting at least one of the position and orientation of the contact element, the contact between the web-shaped material and the contact surface may be optimized. The position of the contact element may be changed using the adjustment unit to optimize the contact pressure between the web-shaped material and the contact surface. The position of the contact element may be changed by the adjustment unit to optimize at least one of the position and orientation of the contact element relative to the path along which the web-shaped material moves.

[0066] The adjustment unit may be configured to move the contact element in a translational motion. The adjustment unit may be configured to move the contact element in a rotary motion. The adjustment unit may be configured to move the contact element in a translational motion and configured to move the contact element in a rotary motion.

[0067] The additive supply path may be formed in the contact element. At least one additive supply opening may be connected to the additive supply path. Each additive supply opening may be connected to the additive supply path. At least one additive supply opening may be connected to the supply path via at least one branch path branching off from the additive supply path.

[0068] The additive feed path may be a hollow portion of the contact element. The additive feed path may be configured to direct the additive. The additive feed path may be configured to direct the additive at least partially toward at least one additive feed opening.

[0069] The additive feed path may extend transversely within the contact element. The transverse direction may be perpendicular to the axial direction. The transverse direction may be parallel to the contact surface.

[0070] The additive feed path may extend inside the contact element along the transverse direction by at least 30 percent, or at least 40 percent, or at least 50 percent, or at least 60 percent, or at least 70 percent, or at least 80 percent of the size of the extension of the contact element in the transverse direction.

[0071] The additive feed path may terminate in a cleaning hole formed in the outer surface of the contact element. The cleaning hole may face transversely. The cleaning hole may be configured to accommodate a brush or the like.

[0072] The additive feed path may extend straight within the contact element. The additive feed path may extend straight within the contact element along the transverse direction. A straight additive feed path may facilitate cleaning of the additive feed path, for example by inserting a brush through the cleaning hole.

[0073] The additive supply path may be connected to an additive supply hole formed in the outer surface of the contact element. The additive supply hole may be configured to connect to an external additive supply line. The external additive supply line may be connected to an additive reservoir.

[0074] The diameter of the additive feed path may be, for example, from three millimeters to 20 millimeters, or from three millimeters to ten millimeters, or from five millimeters to eight millimeters.

[0075] The additive feed path may have a circular cross-section. The additive feed path may have a rectangular cross-section. The additive feed path may have an elliptical cross-section. The additive feed path may have a triangular cross-section. The additive feed path may have a polygonal cross-section.

[0076] The contact element may comprise an inclined surface adjacent to the contact surface along the axial direction. The inclined surface may be inclined relative to the contact surface by between 10 degrees and 80 degrees around a transverse axis perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0077] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating rod is provided. A web-like material is moved along an axial direction along a flat contact surface. The flat contact surface is formed by a contact element. The web-like material is in contact with the contact surface. An additive is supplied to the web-like material through at least one additive supply hole formed in the contact surface. The web-like material moves along an inclined surface of the contact element. The inclined surface adjoins the contact surface along the axial direction. The inclined surface is inclined relative to the contact surface by 10 degrees to 80 degrees around a transverse axis perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0078] The inclined surface may be inclined relative to the contact surface by 10 degrees to 60 degrees, or 10 degrees to 50 degrees, or 20 degrees to 40 degrees, or 25 degrees to 35 degrees, or approximately 30 degrees around the transverse axis.

[0079] The transverse axis may be parallel to the contact surface. The transverse axis may run along the boundary between the contact surface and the inclined surface. The transverse axis may form the boundary between the contact surface and the inclined surface.

[0080] The inclined surface can be inclined relative to the contact surface in the direction away from the web material.

[0081] The contact surface can face upward. The inclined surface can be inclined downward along the axial direction.

[0082] The inclined surface may be a flat surface.

[0083] The inclined surface may extend beyond the contact surface along the axial direction by at least three millimeters, or at least five millimeters, or at least six millimeters, or at least seven millimeters, or at least eight millimeters. The inclined surface may extend beyond the contact surface along the axial direction by less than 50 millimeters, or less than 30 millimeters, or less than 25 millimeters, or less than 20 millimeters, or less than ten millimeters, or less than eight millimeters.

[0084] A web-shaped material can be conveyed along an inclined surface without contact with the inclined surface. The absence of contact between the web-shaped material and the inclined surface can reduce contamination of the contact element by additives located downstream of the contact surface.

[0085] Since the inclination of the inclined surface relative to the contact surface is less than 90 degrees, the contact element can extend further along the axial direction than the contact surface. This can facilitate the design of the contact element, particularly with regard to providing one or more additive supply lines within the contact element.

[0086] The length dimension of the contact surface along the axial direction may be less than 10 millimeters.

[0087] The opening direction of at least one additive supply hole may be perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0088] The web-shaped material can be conveyed through a collecting device located downstream of the contact element to form the web-shaped material into a rod. 0089 In any of the disclosed aspects, the contact surface may be located less than one meter, or less than 60 centimeters, or less than 40 centimeters from the collecting device. The contact surface may be located at least five centimeters, or between five centimeters and 20 centimeters from the collecting device. Placing the contact surface in such close proximity to the collecting device may reduce the amount of time the additive is present on the web-form material before the web-form material is formed into a rod. This may help reduce the amount of additive that may be lost from the web-form material during movement of the web-form material.

[0090] In any of the described aspects, the additive may contain aerosol-generating substances, such as one or more of, for example, glycerin, glycerol, and propylene glycol. The additive may contain one or more flavoring agents, such as menthol, spearmint, peppermint, eucalyptus, vanilla, cocoa, chocolate, coffee, tea, spices (such as cinnamon, cloves, and ginger), fruit flavorings, and combinations thereof. The additive may contain nicotine.

[0091] The supplement can be supplied, for example, in liquid form or in gel form.

[0092] The additive preferably contains menthol. The additive may contain menthol in a weight percentage of at least 40 percent, or at least 50 percent, or at least 70 percent, or at least 80 percent, or at least 90 percent, or at least 95 percent. The additive may be pure menthol. Menthol can act as an aerosol-generating substance when the rod is heated. Menthol has high physical stability and can be applied to the material in a web-like manner in a reproducible manner. 0093 In any of the described aspects, the web-shaped material may be cast from a slurry containing herbal material or a paste containing herbal material. The web-shaped material may be a cast sheet-shaped material, particularly a cast tobacco sheet-shaped material. The slurry or paste may contain one or more types of herbal material. Casting the herbal material into a sheet-shaped material allows for continuous feeding of the herbal material into the manufacturing process.

[0094] The web-shaped material may comprise chopped or ground herbal material. The chopped or ground herbal material may, for example, comprise particulate herbal material characterized by a particle size of between 40 microns and 500 microns.

[0095] The herbal material may contain homogenized plant material.

[0096] The herbal material may, for example, contain tobacco material, or clove material, or a mixture of clove material and tobacco material. The tobacco material, or clove material, or a mixture of clove material and tobacco material may constitute, but do not necessarily constitute, 100 percent of the herbal material. The herbal material may be free of tobacco particles and contain 100 percent of clove particles, based on the dry weight of the herbal material. The herbal material may contain from 10 percent to 60 percent by weight of clove particles and from 40 percent to 90 percent by weight of tobacco particles, more preferably from 30 percent to 40 percent by weight of clove particles and from 70 percent to 60 percent by weight of tobacco particles, based on the dry weight of the herbal material.The total content of tobacco particles in the web-like material may, for example, be from 40 percent to 90 percent by weight, and the total content of clove particles may be from 10 percent to 60 percent by weight, based on the dry weight of the web-like material.

[0097] The web-like material may, for example, contain one or more of eugenol, eugenol acetate, and beta-caryophyllene. In particular, the web-like material may contain at least 125 micrograms of eugenol per gram of web-like material on a dry weight basis; at least 125 micrograms of eugenol acetate per gram of web-like material on a dry weight basis; and at least 1 microgram of beta-caryophyllene per gram of web-like material on a dry weight basis.

[0098] The web-like material may contain at least one of cellulose fibers and glycerin. The cellulose fibers can increase the strength of the web-like material and make it more resistant to damage or tearing. Glycerin can promote aerosol formation when the web-like material is heated.

[0099] The web-like material may have a thickness of less than 1 millimeter, or less than 0.5 millimeters, or less than 0.2 millimeters, or less than 0.1 millimeters, or less than 0.05 millimeters. The web-like material may have a thickness of at least 0.001 millimeters, or at least 0.01 millimeters, or at least 0.1 millimeters. A web-like material having a comparatively smaller thickness can be more easily formed into a rod shape. A web-like material having a comparatively greater thickness may be less prone to tearing or damage when an additive is applied to the web-like material.

[0100] The device for producing an aerosol-generating rod according to the second aspect can be adapted for use in the method for producing an aerosol-generating rod according to the first aspect or with the use according to the third aspect. The method for producing an aerosol-generating rod according to the fifth aspect or the use according to the third aspect can include using the device for producing an aerosol-generating rod according to the second aspect.

[0101] The device for producing an aerosol-generating rod according to the fourth aspect can be adapted for use in the method for producing an aerosol-generating rod according to the fifth aspect. The method for producing an aerosol-generating rod according to the fifth aspect can include using the device for producing an aerosol-generating rod according to the fourth aspect.

[0102] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0103] Example Pr1: A method for producing an aerosol generating rod, comprising:

[0104] moving a web-shaped material along a contact surface of a contact element in such a way that the web-shaped material is in contact with the contact surface, wherein the contact surface is curved around an axial direction and narrows along the axial direction, wherein a continuous portion of the contact surface covers at least an angle of 90 degrees around the axial direction;

[0105] feeding an additive through at least one additive feeding hole formed in the contact surface; and

[0106] moving the material in the form of a web through a collecting device located downstream of the contact element, wherein the material in the form of a web is formed into a rod inside the collecting device.

[0107] Example Pr2: The method according to example Pr1, in which the side sides of the web-shaped material are deformed relative to the central portion of the web-shaped material due to the fact that the web-shaped material takes the shape of the contact surface when the web-shaped material is moved along the contact surface.

[0108] Example Pr3: The method according to example Pr1 or Pr2, in which the web-shaped material is moved along the contact surface in such a way that only one side of the web-shaped material is in contact with the contact surface.

[0109] Example Pr4: The method according to any of the examples Pr1 - Pr3, in which the contact element has a conical shape.

[0110] Example Pr5: The method according to any one of examples Pr1 to Pr4, in which the additive is supplied through a plurality of additive supply holes located at different angular positions around the axial direction.

[0111] Example Pr6: The method according to any one of the examples Pr1 - Pr5, further comprising moving the susceptor through a collecting device, wherein the material in the form of a web is formed around the susceptor into a rod inside the collecting device.

[0112] Example Pr7: The method according to example Pr6, further comprising moving the susceptor through the contact element.

[0113] Example Pr8: The method according to example Pr6 or Pr7, in which the susceptor is moved through the susceptor guide, wherein the susceptor guide extends beyond the contact element along the axial direction.

[0114] Example Pr9: The method according to example Pr8, in which the susceptor exits the susceptor guide through the outlet opening for the susceptor, wherein the outlet opening for the susceptor meets at least one of the conditions: it is located upstream of the collecting device and it is located downstream of the contact element.

[0115] Example Pr10: The method according to any of the examples Pr1 - Pr9, additionally including moving the material in the form of a web along an additional contact surface.

[0116] Example Pr11: The method according to example Pr10, further comprising feeding an additive through at least one additional hole for feeding an additive made in the additional contact surface.

[0117] Example Pr12: The method according to example Pr10 or Pr11, in which the additional contact surface is located further downstream from the contact surface.

[0118] Example Pr13: The method according to any of the examples Pr10 - Pr12, in which the additional contact surface is formed by an additional contact element, wherein the additional contact element can be a cylindrical element.

[0119] Example Pr14: The method according to example Pr13, further comprising disconnecting the contact element from the additional contact element.

[0120] Example Pr15: The method according to any of the examples Pr1 - Pr14, additionally including corrugating the material in the form of a sheet.

[0121] Example Pr16: A device for producing an aerosol generating rod, comprising:

[0122] an additive application unit comprising a contact element that forms a contact surface, wherein at least one hole is formed in the contact surface for feeding the additive;

[0123] a conveyor system configured to move a web-shaped material along a contact surface such that the web-shaped material is in contact with the contact surface; and

[0124] a collecting device located downstream of the additive application unit;

[0125] wherein the additive application unit comprises a susceptor guide configured to guide the susceptor;

[0126] wherein the susceptor guide extends beyond the contact element in the direction of the collecting device; and

[0127] wherein the conveyor system is configured to move the material in the form of a web through the collecting device for forming the material in the form of a web inside the collecting device around the susceptor into a rod.

[0128] Example Pr17: The device according to example Pr16, in which the contact surface is curved around the axial direction.

[0129] Example Pr18: The device according to example Pr17, in which at least one additive supply hole comprises a plurality of additive supply holes arranged at different angular positions around the axial direction.

[0130] Example Pr19: The device according to example Pr17 or Pr18, in which the contact surface is tapered along the axial direction.

[0131] Example Pr20: A device according to any of the examples Pr17 - Pr19, in which the continuous part of the contact surface covers at least an angle of 90 degrees around the axial direction.

[0132] Example Pr21: A device according to any of the examples Pr16 - Pr20, in which the conveyor system is configured to move the material in the form of a web along the contact surface in such a way that only one side of the material in the form of a web is in contact with the contact surface.

[0133] Example Pr22: A device according to any of the examples Pr16 - Pr21, in which the contact element has a conical shape.

[0134] Example Pr23: The device according to any of the examples Pr16 - Pr22, in which the susceptor guide passes at least partially through the contact element.

[0135] Example Pr24: A device according to any of the examples Pr16 - Pr23, in which the susceptor guide comprises an outlet for the susceptor, wherein the outlet for the susceptor meets at least one of the conditions: it is located upstream of the collecting device and it is located downstream of the contact element.

[0136] Example Pr25: A device according to any of the examples Pr16 - Pr24, in which the additive application unit contains an additional contact element, wherein the additional contact element contains an additional contact surface, and wherein the conveyor system is configured to move the material in the form of a web along the additional contact surface.

[0137] Example Pr26: The device according to example Pr25, in which at least one additional hole for feeding the additive is made in the additional contact surface.

[0138] Example Pr27: The device according to example Pr25 or Pr26, in which the additional contact surface is located further downstream from the contact surface.

[0139] Example Pr28: A device according to any of examples Pr25 - Pr27, in which the additional contact element is a cylindrical contact element.

[0140] Example Pr29: A device according to any of the examples Pr25 to Pr28, in which the contact element and the additional contact element are combined with the possibility of disconnection.

[0141] Example Pr30: A device according to any of the examples Pr16 - Pr29, additionally containing a corrugating device configured to corrugate the material in the form of a web.

[0142] Example Pr31: The device according to example Pr31, in which the corrugating device is located upstream of the device for applying the additive.

[0143] Example Ex32: Use of a contact surface in which at least one hole is formed for feeding an additive in a method for producing an aerosol generating rod for applying an additive to a web-shaped material and for pre-shaping the web-shaped material before the web-shaped material is fed into a collecting device, wherein the web-shaped material is formed into a rod, wherein the contact surface is curved around an axial direction and narrows along the axial direction, and wherein the continuous portion of the contact surface covers at least an angle of 90 degrees around the axial direction.

[0144] Example Pr33: A device for producing an aerosol generating rod, comprising:

[0145] a contact element that forms a contact surface, wherein at least one hole for feeding an additive is formed in the contact surface; and

[0146] a conveyor system configured to move a material in the form of a web along an axial direction along a contact surface in such a way that the material in the form of a web is in contact with the contact surface;

[0147] wherein the length of the contact surface along the axial direction is less than 10 millimeters.

[0148] Example Pr34: The device according to example Pr33, in which the contact surface has no curvature in the transverse direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and, in particular, the contact surface is flat.

[0149] Example Pr35: The device according to example Pr33 or Pr34, in which the opening direction of at least one hole for feeding the additive is perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0150] Example Pr36: The device according to any of the examples Pr33 - Pr35, further comprising a collecting device located further downstream from the contact element, wherein the conveyor system is configured to move the material in the form of a web through the collecting device to form the material in the form of a web inside the collecting device into a rod.

[0151] Example Pr37: A device according to any of the examples Pr33 - Pr36, further comprising an adjustment unit configured to adjust at least one of the position and orientation of the contact element.

[0152] Example Pr38: A device according to any of the examples Pr33 - Pr37, in which the additive supply path is formed in the contact element, and at least one opening for supplying the additive is connected to the additive supply path.

[0153] Example Pr39: The device according to example Pr38, in which the additive feed path passes inside the contact element in a transverse direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0154] Example Pr40: A device according to example Pr38 or Pr39, in which the additive feed path ends with a cleaning hole formed in the outer surface of the contact element.

[0155] Example Pr41: A device according to any of the examples Pr38 - Pr40, in which the additive feed path passes straight inside the contact element.

[0156] Example Pr42: A device according to any of the examples Pr33 - Pr41, in which the contact element comprises an inclined surface adjacent to the contact surface along the axial direction, wherein the inclined surface is inclined relative to the contact surface by 10 degrees to 80 degrees around a transverse axis perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0157] Example Pr43: A method for producing an aerosol generating rod, comprising:

[0158] moving a material in the form of a web along an axial direction along a flat contact surface formed by a contact element, wherein the material in the form of a web is in contact with the contact surface;

[0159] feeding an additive to the web-shaped material through at least one additive feeding hole provided in the contact surface; and

[0160] moving a material in the form of a web along an inclined surface of a contact element, wherein the inclined surface is adjacent to the contact surface along the axial direction, and wherein the inclined surface is inclined relative to the contact surface by 10 degrees to 80 degrees around a transverse axis perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0161] Example Pr44: The method according to example Pr43, wherein the size of the extension of the contact surface along the axial direction is less than 10 millimeters.

[0162] Example Pr45: The method according to example Pr43 or Pr44, in which the opening direction of at least one hole for feeding an additive is perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0163] Example Pr46: The method according to any one of the examples Pr43 - Pr45, further comprising moving the material in the form of a web through a collecting device located downstream from the contact element to form the material in the form of a web into a rod.

[0164] The embodiments will be further described below with reference to the figures, in which:

[0165] Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of an apparatus for producing an aerosol generating rod according to one embodiment, wherein the contact element has a curved contact surface;

[0166] Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an additive application unit according to one embodiment, wherein the contact element has a curved contact surface;

[0167] Fig. 3 is a sectional view of an additive application unit according to one embodiment, wherein the contact element has a curved contact surface;

[0168] Fig. 4 is a schematic view of an apparatus for producing an aerosol generating rod according to one embodiment, wherein the contact element has a flat contact surface;

[0169] Fig. 5 shows a contact element according to one embodiment with a flat contact surface in a perspective view from above;

[0170] Fig. 6 shows a contact element according to an embodiment with a flat contact surface in a perspective view from below;

[0171] Fig. 7 shows a contact element according to one embodiment with a flat contact surface in a sectional view with a section plane perpendicular to the axial direction; and

[0172] Fig. 8 shows a contact element according to one embodiment with a flat contact surface in a side view with a viewing direction along the transverse direction.

[0173] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a device 1 for producing an aerosol-generating rod 3. The device 1 comprises a collecting device 5 in the form of a funnel. The collecting device 5 comprises a side wall 7 that forms a molding space. The collecting device 5 extends from an inlet 9 of the collecting device 5 to an outlet 11 of the collecting device 5.

[0174] The device 1 comprises a conveyor system 13 with a conveyor 15 for material in the form of a web and a conveyor 17 for a susceptor. The conveyor 15 for the material in the form of a web is configured to move the material 19 in the form of a web through the collecting device 5. The conveyor for the susceptor is configured to move the susceptor 21 through the collecting device 5. The material 19 in the form of a web and the susceptor 21 move through the collecting device 5 from the inlet opening 9 of the collecting device 5 to the outlet opening 11 of the collecting device 5. In the forming space of the collecting device 5, the material 19 in the form of a web is compressed into the shape of a rod around the susceptor 21. In the outlet opening 11, the rod 3, in which the material 19 in the form of a web surrounds the susceptor 21 along the circumference, exits the forming space.

[0175] Upstream from the collecting device 5, the web-shaped material 19 and the susceptor 21 pass through the additive application unit 23. Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the additive application unit 23 according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of the additive application unit 23. The additive application unit 23 shown in Figs. 2 and 3 can be used in the device 1 shown in Fig. 1.

[0176] The additive application unit 23 comprises a main element 25, a contact element 27, an additional contact element 29 and a susceptor guide 31. The susceptor guide 31 passes through the main element 25, the contact element 27 and the additional contact element 29 along the axial direction 33. The susceptor guide 31 is a sleeve-shaped element through which the susceptor 21 moves along the axial direction 33. The susceptor 21 enters the susceptor guide 31 through an inlet opening 35 for the susceptor of the susceptor guide 31 and exits the susceptor guide 31 through an outlet opening 37 for the susceptor of the susceptor guide 31. The outlet opening 37 for the susceptor is located downstream of the main element 25, the contact element 27 and the additional contact element 29.

[0177] The contact element 27 comprises a contact surface 39. The additional contact element 29 comprises an additional contact surface 41. The material 19 in the form of a web moves along the contact surface 39 and the additional contact surface 41 substantially along the axial direction 33. The material 19 in the form of a web contacts the contact surface 39 and the additional contact surface 41.

[0178] Contact surface 39 has openings 43 for feeding additive. Additional openings 45 for feeding additive are provided in additional contact surface 41. The additive is fed through openings 43 for feeding additive and through additional openings 45 for feeding additive. The additive is fed to material 19 in the form of a web as material 19 moves in the form of a web along contact surface 39 and additional contact surface 41.

[0179] The contact element 27 has a conical shape. The contact surface 39 is formed by the outer surface of the contact element 27. The contact surface 39 is curved around the axial direction 33 and tapers along the axial direction 33.

[0180] The additional contact element 29 has a cylindrical shape. The additional contact surface 41 is formed by the outer surface of the contact element 29. The additional contact surface 41 is curved around the axial direction 33.

[0181] When moving along the contact surface 39 and the additional contact surface 41, the material 19 in the form of a web is deformed due to contact with the contact surface 39 and the additional contact surface 41. This leads to deformation of the sides of the material 19 in the form of a web downwards relative to the central part of the material 19 in the form of a web, so that the material 19 in the form of a web is at least partially curved around the susceptor 21. Thus, the material 19 in the form of a web is pre-formed before entering the collecting device 5.

[0182] The main element 25 comprises an additive supply opening 47. An external additive source can be connected to the opening 47 to provide additive to be supplied through the additive supply openings 43 and additional additive supply openings 45. In particular, the additive supply opening 47 can be connected to an additive reservoir. A pump can be provided to create pressure for supplying the additive through the additive supply openings 43 and additional additive supply openings 45.

[0183] The main member 25, the contact member 27, the additional contact member 29, and the susceptor guide 31 can be separated for cleaning. For example, threaded connections can be used to reversibly connect the main member 25, the contact member 27, the additional contact member 29, and the susceptor guide 31 to each other.

[0184] Figure 4 shows another embodiment of the device 1 for producing aerosol-generating rods 3. The collecting device 5 and the moving system 13 may be the same as in the embodiment of Figure 1. In the embodiment of Figure 4, the susceptor 21 is moved by the conveyor 17 for the susceptor without a susceptor guide. However, in the embodiment of Figure 4, a susceptor guide may also be provided. The embodiment of Figure 4 comprises an additive application unit 51, which differs from the additive application unit 23 of the embodiments of Figures 1-3. The additive application unit 51 is located upstream of the collecting device 5 on the path of the material 19 in the form of a web. The additive application unit 51 comprises a contact element 53. The contact element 53 comprises a contact surface 55. The material 19 in the form of a web moves along the contact surface 55 along the axial direction 57.The material 19 in the form of a web is in contact with the contact surface 55.

[0185] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the contact element 53 from above. The contact surface 55 is flat. The contact surface 55 is parallel to the axial direction 57. The contact surface 55 extends in the axial direction 57 and in the transverse direction 59, which is perpendicular to the axial direction 57.

[0186] Contact surface 55 has additive feed holes 61. The additive is fed through the feed holes 55 onto the web-shaped material 19. The extension dimension 63 of contact surface 55 along axial direction 57 is less than ten millimeters, for example, three to five millimeters.

[0187] The contact element 53 comprises an inclined surface 65 adjacent to the contact surface 55 along the axial direction 57. The boundary between the contact surface 55 and the inclined surface 65 is formed by the transverse axis 67. The inclined surface 65 is a flat surface that is inclined away from the web-like material 19 by 10 degrees to 80 degrees around the transverse axis 67. In the illustrated embodiment, the inclined surface 65 is inclined relative to the contact surface 55 by approximately 30 degrees around the transverse axis 67. The inclination of the inclined surface 65 can prevent or reduce contact between the web-like material 19 and the inclined surface 65, thereby reducing unwanted contamination of the contact element 53 with an additive.

[0188] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view from below of the contact element 53. The contact element 53 has an opening 69 for feeding an additive, formed in the lower surface of the contact element 53, opposite the contact surface 55. A cleaning opening 71 is formed in the side surface of the contact element 53.

[0189] Fig. 7 shows a sectional view of the contact element 53, wherein the section plane is perpendicular to the axial direction 57. The additive supply path 73 extends inside the contact element 53 along the transverse direction 59. The additive supply path 73 has a connection with the additive supply opening 69, which allows the additive to be supplied to the additive supply path 73. The additive supply path 73 is connected to the additive supply openings 61 for providing the additive to the additive supply openings 61. In the illustrated embodiment, the additive supply openings 61 directly branch off from the additive supply path 73. Alternatively, branch paths may be provided for connecting the additive supply path 73 to the additive supply openings 61.

[0190] The additive supply path 73 ends with a cleaning hole 71. The additive supply path 73 extends inside the contact element 53 directly along the transverse direction 59. A cleaning device such as a brush can enter the additive supply path 73 through the cleaning hole 71 for the purpose of cleaning the inside of the contact element 51. During use, the cleaning hole 71 can be closed with a stopper.

[0191] Fig. 8 shows a sectional view of the contact element 53, wherein the sectional plane is perpendicular to the transverse direction 59.

[0192] As shown in Fig. 4, the additive valve 75 is connected to the additive supply port 69. The additive valve 75 is connected to a pump that supplies the additive from the additive tank.

[0193] As also shown in Fig. 4, the device 1 comprises an adjusting unit 77 for adjusting the position and orientation of the contact element 53 relative to the path of transport of the material 19 in the form of a web. The adjusting unit 77 comprises a clamp 79 to which the contact element 53 is attached. The clamp 79 is mounted so as to rotate on a support 81. The support 81 is attached to a slider 83 by means of a lever 85. The lever 85 can be rotated relative to the slider 83. The slider 83 is mounted with a shift on a guide rail 85. The positioning and orientation of the contact element 53 relative to the path of the material 19 in the form of a web can be adjusted by any one or more of rotating the clamp 79 relative to the support 81, rotating the lever 85 relative to the slider 83, and shifting the slider 83 along the guide rail 85.

[0194] For the purposes of the present description and the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, amounts, percentages, etc., are to be understood as modified in all instances by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and include any intermediate ranges therebetween, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Therefore, in this context, the number A should be understood as A ± {10 percent} of A. In this context, the number A can be considered to include numerical values ​​that are within the normal standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies.In some cases, the number A, when used in the appended claims, may vary by the percentages listed above, provided that the amount by which A is varied does not materially affect the essential or novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. All ranges also include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and include any intermediate ranges therebetween, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing an aerosol generating rod, comprising: moving a web-like material along a contact surface of a contact element in such a way that the web-like material is in contact with the contact surface, wherein the contact surface is curved around an axial direction and narrows along the axial direction, wherein a continuous portion of the contact surface covers at least an angle of 90 degrees around the axial direction; feeding an additive through at least one additive feeding hole formed in the contact surface; and moving the material in the form of a web through a collecting device located downstream of the contact element, wherein the material in the form of a web is formed into a rod inside the collecting device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the side faces of the web-like material are deformed relative to the central portion of the web-like material due to the web-like material taking the shape of the contact surface when the web-like material is moved along the contact surface.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, in which the web-like material is moved along the contact surface in such a way that only one side of the web-like material is in contact with the contact surface.

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the contact element has a conical shape.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the additive is supplied through a plurality of additive supply openings located at different angular positions around the axial direction.

6. The method according to any of the preceding paragraphs, further comprising moving the susceptor through the contact element.

7. The method according to claim 6, in which the susceptor is moved through a susceptor guide, wherein the susceptor guide extends beyond the contact element along the axial direction.

8. A device for producing an aerosol generating rod, comprising: an additive application unit comprising a contact element forming a contact surface, wherein at least one hole is formed in the contact surface for feeding the additive; a conveyor system configured to move a material in the form of a web along a contact surface in such a way that the material in the form of a web is in contact with the contact surface; and a collecting device located further downstream from the additive application unit; in this case, the contact surface is curved around the axial direction; in this case, the contact surface narrows along the axial direction; wherein the additive application unit comprises a susceptor guide configured to guide the susceptor; wherein the guide of the susceptor extends beyond the contact element in the direction of the collecting device; and wherein the conveyor system is configured to move the material in the form of a web through a collecting device for forming the material in the form of a web inside the collecting device around the susceptor into a rod.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein at least one additive feed opening comprises a plurality of additive feed openings arranged in different angular positions around the axial direction.

10. The device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the continuous portion of the contact surface covers at least an angle of 90 degrees around the axial direction.

11. The device according to any one of claims 8-10, in which the susceptor guide passes at least partially through the contact element.

12. The device according to any one of paragraphs 8-11, in which the susceptor guide comprises an outlet for the susceptor, wherein the outlet for the susceptor meets at least one of the conditions: located upstream of the collecting device and located downstream of the contact element.

13. The use of a contact surface having at least one opening for feeding an additive in a method for producing an aerosol generating rod for applying an additive to a web-like material and for pre-shaping the web-like material before the web-like material is fed into a collecting device where the web-like material is formed into a rod, wherein the contact surface is curved around an axial direction and tapered along the axial direction, and wherein a continuous portion of the contact surface covers at least an angle of 90 degrees around the axial direction.

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