EP3897242B1 - Method for producing an inductively heatable tobacco product - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a device for producing inductively heatable tobacco products for use in inductive heating devices.

Electronic heating devices are known from the prior art that heat an aerosol-forming substrate using a resistance heating element. Before use, a smoking article is inserted into a cavity in the heating device and the aerosol-forming substrate is pushed over a heatable blade of the heating device. Such smoking articles are not suitable, or only suitable to a limited extent, for use in inductive heating devices.

In an inductive heating device, an induction source generates an alternating electromagnetic field that induces a voltage in a susceptor. The induced voltage creates eddy currents within the susceptor material and these lead to heat generation. The susceptor must be in thermal proximity to the aerosol-forming substrate, for example a tobacco substrate, in order to heat the aerosol-forming substrate and thus release the volatile compounds.

In the WO 2016 184 930 A1 discloses a device and a method which inserts a susceptor material in the form of a metallic plate with a rectangular cross-section into the tobacco segment of finished smoking articles, so that these smoking articles can be heated and consumed via an induction heating device.

When inserting a metal plate into a tobacco segment, a force is required. If the force acting on the metal plate If the susceptor segment is too large, it can bend, kink or break. This can lead to incorrect positioning of the susceptor segment within the tobacco segment or damage to the wrapping paper or the entire segment, as well as disruptions in the process flow that can affect the operation of the processing machines. Other state-of-the-art processes are known from CN-A-109 007 984 and WO-A1-2018/132935 known.

The object of the present invention is to provide a method and a device which ensures a positionally accurate and error-free insertion of a susceptor material into a tobacco product and allows a largely trouble-free production.

• Bereitstellen eines Tabakprodukts;
• Bereitstellen eines Suszeptorsegments, wobei das Suszeptorsegment eine Längsachse (LA) und einen quer zur Längsachse (LA) orientierten Querschnitt (QS) mit einem axialen Flächenträgheitsmoment umfasst;
• Erhöhen des axialen Flächenträgheitsmoments des Querschnitts (QS) des Suszeptorsegments, insbesondere durch eine Formveränderung des Querschnittes, bevorzugt durch einen insbesondere verformenden Stanz- und/oder Walzprozess;
• Positionieren des formveränderten Suszeptorsegments in dem Tabakprodukt durch Bewegen des Suszeptorsegments und des Tabakprodukts relativ zueinander, wodurch das Suszeptorsegment in das Tabakprodukt eingeführt, insbesondere gedrückt, wird.

The object is achieved by a method for producing inductively heatable smoke products, the method comprising the following steps:

• Providing a tobacco product;
• Providing a susceptor segment, wherein the susceptor segment comprises a longitudinal axis (LA) and a cross-section (QS) oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis (LA) with an axial area moment of inertia;
• Increasing the axial area moment of inertia of the cross section (QS) of the susceptor segment, in particular by changing the shape of the cross section, preferably by a particularly deforming punching and/or rolling process;
• Positioning the shape-changed susceptor segment in the tobacco product by moving the susceptor segment and the tobacco product relative to each other, whereby the susceptor segment is introduced, in particular pressed, into the tobacco product.

The process allows a tobacco product that is already wrapped in wrapping paper and forms a rod-shaped article to be a susceptor segment can be inserted in a simple and reliable manner. The prior art method of pressing the susceptor segment into the tobacco-containing segment has the disadvantage that a counterforce acts on the susceptor segment, which can bend or buckle this segment. This deficiency is reliably remedied by the process step of increasing the axial area moment of inertia of the cross-section and the associated increase in the rigidity of the susceptor segment. The susceptor segments can thus be positioned in the tobacco-containing segment with greater accuracy and less damage.

• Bereitstellen eines Tabakprodukts;
• Bereitstellen eines Suszeptormaterials, wobei das Suszeptormaterial eine Längsachse (LA) und einen quer zur Längsachse (LA) orientierten Querschnitt (QS) mit einem axialen Flächenträgheitsmoment umfasst;
• Erhöhen des axialen Flächenträgheitsmoments des Querschnitts (QS) des Suszeptormaterials, insbesondere durch eine Formveränderung des Querschnittes, bevorzugt durch einen insbesondere verformenden Stanz- und/oder Walzprozess;
• Zerteilen des Suszeptormaterials in mehrere Suszeptorsegmente,
• Positionieren eines der mehreren Suszeptorsegmente in dem Tabakprodukt durch Bewegen des Suszeptorsegments und des Tabakprodukts relativ zueinander, wodurch das Suszeptorsegment in das Tabakprodukt eingeführt, insbesondere gedrückt, wird.

As an alternative to the method listed, the object is also achieved by a method for producing inductively heatable smoking articles, the method comprising the following steps:

• Providing a tobacco product;
• Providing a susceptor material, wherein the susceptor material comprises a longitudinal axis (LA) and a cross-section (QS) oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis (LA) with an axial area moment of inertia;
• Increasing the axial area moment of inertia of the cross section (QS) of the susceptor material, in particular by changing the shape of the cross section, preferably by a particularly deforming punching and/or rolling process;
• Dividing the susceptor material into several susceptor segments,
• Positioning one of the plurality of susceptor segments in the tobacco product by moving the susceptor segment and the tobacco product relative to each other, whereby the susceptor segment is introduced, in particular pressed, into the tobacco product.

The two alternatives given relate to embodiments in which either a magazine with prefabricated susceptor segments or a susceptor material in the form of an endless strip, which preferably runs off a reel, is provided. The increase in the area moment of inertia of the cross section is preferably not carried out by applying further materials. In particular, the area moment of inertia of the cross section is increased by at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% or by more than 50%.

A preferred development of the two methods is characterized in that the increase in the axial area moment of inertia of the susceptor segment or susceptor material along the longitudinal axis (LA) is carried out by means of a substantially constant, in particular identical or partially different, change in the shape of the cross section (QS). Carrying out this change in shape can be advantageously implemented because the susceptor material or the susceptor segments can be processed by a drum or a roller and because a correspondingly designed susceptor segment can be introduced into a tobacco product with little resistance.

In order for the tobacco product to heat evenly, the step of positioning the susceptor segment in the tobacco product preferably comprises positioning the susceptor segment in a central portion of the tobacco product, preferably relative to the length and/or the height and/or the width and/or the diameter of the tobacco product.

An advantageous cross-section of the susceptor segment is characterized in that the area formed by the change in shape Cross-section (QS) of the susceptor segment forms a positioning section which enables the susceptor segment to be held in a stable position, preferably transversely to the longitudinal extension of the susceptor segment. This positioning section can be implemented in the form of at least one elevation and/or depression of the material formed in the longitudinal extension of the susceptor segment, preferably as a guide groove and/or spring.

The susceptor segment is advantageously guided on one or both sides, in particular over its entire surface, during the positioning step. Guiding the susceptor segment when it is inserted into the tobacco product prevents the segment from bending outside the tobacco product. Guiding the segment ensures precise positioning of the segment when it is inserted into the tobacco product.

The length of the susceptor segment is particularly preferably smaller, larger or equal to the length of a tobacco product. This means that the susceptor segment can be positioned completely within the product. No protruding edges or elevations are created. If the length of the susceptor segment is larger than a segment to be heated, heat can be applied to an adjacent segment and/or a dowel-like connection can be achieved with an adjacent segment.

In order to facilitate insertion or pressing into the tobacco product, the susceptor segment has a pointed and/or cutting edge first end and a second end opposite the first end. The susceptor segment is advantageously arranged such that the pointed and/or cutting edge first end is directed towards the tobacco product. This the counterforce acting on the susceptor segment during insertion is reduced and buckling or bending of the segment is prevented. The formation of the segment with a pointed and/or cutting edge-provided first end can be included in a preferred embodiment of the method as an explicit method step, in particular for machining the segment.

In order to accelerate the manufacturing process, in a preferred embodiment, a plurality of tobacco products and a plurality of susceptor segments are provided for positioning, wherein each of the susceptor segments is introduced into a corresponding tobacco product, in particular positioned in front of a tobacco product and pressed in or can be pressed in. This enables the method to be carried out quickly and efficiently for a large number of products.

If a plurality of susceptor segments and a plurality of tobacco products are provided, the relative movements can be implemented individually or in groups one after the other during each pressing of the susceptor segment into the associated tobacco product during the positioning step, wherein in particular each group of susceptor segments is pressed simultaneously into the associated tobacco products and comprises a number of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8 susceptor segments. This allows the method to be advantageously implemented on a drum machine in the tobacco processing industry.

In an advantageous implementation of the method, the tobacco product is in a depression, in particular a trough, or the tobacco products are in a plurality of depressions, in particular troughs are arranged and that a step of fixing the tobacco product in a depression, in particular a trough, or the tobacco products in a plurality of depressions, in particular troughs, is carried out by providing a holding element or a plurality of holding elements. The tobacco product is fixed or blocked by the holding element in order to prevent longitudinal axial and/or transverse axial displacement when the susceptor segment is pressed in.

The method is preferably implemented on a drum machine in the tobacco processing industry, so that the susceptor segments are pressed into the tobacco products on a drum body and this drum body comprises 10 to 200 troughs, preferably 20 to 100 troughs or particularly preferably 40 to 75 troughs, for receiving the tobacco products. Alternatively, other conveying and processing devices can be used instead of the drum bodies, for example trough belts.

The listed developments of the two processes represent individual developments of the general inventive concept and are applicable independently of one another to the two alternative processes.

• einen zweiten Aufnahmeabschnitt mit mindestens einer Aufnahme für mindestens ein Suszeptorsegment,
• wobei das Suszeptorsegment eine Längsachse und einen quer zur Längsachse angeordneten Querschnitt umfasst;
• wobei der erste Aufnahmeabschnitt oder Teile des ersten Aufnahmeabschnitts und der zweite Aufnahmeabschnitt oder Teile des zweiten Aufnahmeabschnitts relativ zueinander und gegeneinander bewegbar ausgebildet sind, und wobei der erste Aufnahmeabschnitt und der zweite Aufnahmeabschnitt so angeordnet sind, dass das mindestens eine Suszeptorsegment in der Aufnahme des zweiten Aufnahmeabschnitts in das wenigstens eine Tabakprodukt in dem ersten Aufnahmeabschnitt bei einer relativen Bewegung zwischen dem ersten und dem zweiten Aufnahmeabschnitt oder Teile der Aufnahmeabschnitte einführbar und positionierbar ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Vorrichtung eine Einrichtung zum Erhöhen des axialen Flächenträgheitsmoments des Querschnitts des Suszeptorsegments, insbesondere durch eine Formveränderung des Querschnittes, bevorzugt durch einen insbesondere verformenden Stanz- oder Walzprozess; umfasst. Die Erhöhung des axialen Flächenträgheitsmoments des Querschnittes des Suszeptorsegments verhindert ein Verbiegen und/oder Umknicken des Suszeptorsegments beim Eindrücken in das Tabakprodukt. Die Vorteile der Ausführungsformen der Vorrichtung ergeben sich analog zu den Ausführungsformen des Verfahrens.

The object is also achieved by a device for producing inductively heatable tobacco products comprising a first receiving section which comprises at least one recess, in particular a trough, for receiving at least one tobacco product,

• a second receiving section with at least one receptacle for at least one susceptor segment,
• wherein the susceptor segment has a longitudinal axis and a transverse longitudinal axis;
• wherein the first receiving section or parts of the first receiving section and the second receiving section or parts of the second receiving section are designed to be movable relative to and against one another, and wherein the first receiving section and the second receiving section are arranged such that the at least one susceptor segment in the receptacle of the second receiving section can be inserted and positioned in the at least one tobacco product in the first receiving section during a relative movement between the first and the second receiving section or parts of the receiving sections, characterized in that the device comprises a device for increasing the axial area moment of inertia of the cross section of the susceptor segment, in particular by changing the shape of the cross section, preferably by a deforming punching or rolling process. Increasing the axial area moment of inertia of the cross section of the susceptor segment prevents the susceptor segment from bending and/or buckling when it is pressed into the tobacco product. The advantages of the embodiments of the device arise analogously to the embodiments of the method.

In a preferred development of the device according to the invention, the device further comprises a fixing element for fixing the at least one tobacco product in the at least one depression or trough of the first receiving section, wherein the fixing element ensures the position of the tobacco product in the depression or trough, preferably also during the positioning of the susceptor segment in the tobacco product. A holding element can be, for example, a simple stopper which is attached to a distal end of a trough, for example on the second receiving section, so that a longitudinal movement of the tobacco product in the trough is limited by the stopper. The holding element can also comprise at least one trough for clamping the at least one tobacco product between the at least one trough of the first receiving section and the at least one trough of the holding element. The tobacco product can be fixed, in particular clamped, over its entire length in this pair of troughs.

A preferred embodiment of the device comprises the arrangement of the first receiving section and the second receiving section on a drum body of a machine in the tobacco processing industry, in particular a drum body that can be driven in rotation. In this way, the pressing of the susceptor segment into the tobacco product can be integrated into the production process of the tobacco product. Preferably, either the first or the second receiving section or a part thereof is mounted so that it can move. The movable parts of the receiving sections can be controlled either by electric motors or via cam gears.

Preferably, the first receiving portion comprises a plurality of wells for receiving a plurality of tobacco products and the second receiving portion comprises a plurality of receptacles for receiving a plurality of susceptor segments.

Particularly preferably, the plurality of receptacles of the second receiving section corresponds to the plurality of depressions of the first receiving section. The plurality of receptacles for the susceptor segments can, for example, be a plurality of flat receiving surfaces for receiving platelet- or strip-shaped susceptor segments Preferably, the plurality of tobacco products that are fed to the device corresponds to the plurality of susceptor segments that are fed to the device. When a plurality of troughs and a plurality of receptacles are provided, a plurality of tobacco products, each with a susceptor segment, can preferably be provided simultaneously. This can improve the production of inductively heatable tobacco products.

To prevent the transverse axial displacement of the susceptor segment, at least one receptacle of the second receptacle section preferably comprises a support surface for receiving the at least one susceptor segment, wherein the contour of the receptacle surface is formed substantially corresponding to the contour of the susceptor segment, wherein the susceptor segment is preferably held by negative pressure, by a clamping mechanism and/or magnetically.

If the first receiving section has a plurality of cavities, the first receiving section can comprise 10 to 200 cavities, preferably 20 to 100 cavities, particularly preferably 40 to 75 cavities for receiving the tobacco products. Accordingly, the second receiving section can comprise 10 to 200, preferably 20 to 100, more preferably 40 to 75 cavities for receiving the susceptor segments.

Preferably, the pressing of the susceptor segment into the tobacco product is achieved by a relative linear movement of the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion or by parts of the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the at least one trough or in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the at least one trough. This embodiment results in an advantageous design of the movement mechanism, so that only individual parts of the receiving sections are set in relative movement.

In order to implement a fast and efficient production process, the device comprises a plurality of first receiving sections, each with at least one depression or trough, in particular a number of 2, 3, 4 or 5 depressions or troughs, and a plurality of second receiving sections, each with at least one, in particular a number of 2, 3, 4 or 5, receptacles, wherein the relative movements of each pairing, consisting of a first receiving section and a second receiving section, take place simultaneously or one after the other and insert, press and/or position the at least one susceptor segment into the at least one tobacco product. In this case, the pressing in and positioning of the susceptor segment is carried out in small groups at the same time, which speeds up the process and ensures higher production output.

Analogous to the device described above, the susceptor segment can be inserted on a conveyor, processing or modified sliding drum within a manufacturing machine in the tobacco processing industry. Furthermore, a susceptor segment can be inserted into a tobacco product on both sides at the opposite ends of the tobacco product, as disclosed, for example, in the German patent application with the application number 10 2018 114 404.0.

The term "tobacco product" as used in this application may refer to an aerosol-forming tobacco segment or tobacco-containing segment or a filter segment provided with an aerosol-forming liquid, which is provided with a susceptor segment in an apparatus according to the invention and/or with the method according to the invention in order to form an inductively heatable tobacco product or inductively heatable tobacco segment. The "tobacco product" may also be a tobacco segment attached to a mouthpiece, which may optionally comprise a filter segment and/or further segments, for example cooling or spacer segments. The filter segment and further segments may be selected in accordance with the composition of the tobacco segment. The aerosol-forming tobacco segment and the mouthpiece and possibly further segments may be assembled to form a structural unit. The tobacco product may, for example, be a finished product, that is, a ready-to-use consumable, such as an aerosol-generating smoking article that can be used in combination with an electronic heating device, for example an e-cigarette or a HnB smoking device.

Preferably, the tobacco product has a longitudinal extension and a circular or oval cross-section. However, the tobacco product can also have the cross-section of a rectangle or a polygon. Preferably, the tobacco product is rod-shaped. The tobacco product is or comprises a tobacco segment made of an aerosol-forming tobacco substrate. Preferably, the aerosol-forming tobacco substrate contains volatile tobacco flavorings that are released from the tobacco substrate when heated. The aerosol-forming tobacco substrate can comprise or consist of a mixed tobacco cut filler or can be homogenized tobacco material. Homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. The aerosol forming substrate may additionally comprise a non-tobacco material, for example homogenized non-tobacco vegetable material.

Preferably, the aerosol forming tobacco substrate is a tobacco film, preferably curled, crimped, folded and/or shirred, comprising tobacco material, fibers, binders and aerosol formers. Preferably, the tobacco film is a cast film, in the form of reconstituted tobacco prepared by means of a slurry, and containing tobacco particles, fiber particles, aerosol formers, binders and optionally flavors. A curled, shirred tobacco film, for example a cast film, can have a thickness in a range between about 0.5 millimeters and about 2 millimeters, preferably between about 0.8 millimeters and about 1.5 millimeters, for example 1 millimeter. Variations in thickness of up to about 30 percent can occur due to manufacturing tolerances. The crimped, shirred or folded tobacco film is formable into a rod-shaped tobacco segment. The tobacco foil can also be cut into narrow, 0.5 to 3 mm wide, parallel strips and gathered together to form a rod-shaped article.

As used herein, the term "susceptor" refers to a material in various forms that is capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat, and the term includes the terms "susceptor segment" and "susceptor material." When the susceptor or susceptor segment is in an alternating electromagnetic field, eddy currents are induced that cause the susceptor segment to heat up. When the susceptor segment is in thermal contact or in close thermal proximity to the aerosol-forming tobacco substrate, the aerosol-forming tobacco substrate is heated by the susceptor segment such that an aerosol is formed. Preferably, the susceptor segment is arranged in direct physical contact with the aerosol-forming tobacco substrate, for example within the aerosol-forming tobacco substrate.

The susceptor may be formed from any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferred susceptor materials include a metal. A preferred susceptor may include or consist of a ferromagnetic material, such as a ferromagnetic alloy, ferritic iron, a ferromagnetic steel, or stainless steel. A suitable susceptor may be or comprise aluminum. Preferred susceptor materials can be heated to a temperature greater than 250 degrees Celsius.

Suitable susceptor segments or materials may include a non-metallic core having a metal layer disposed on the non-metallic core, for example a metal-deposited surface of a ceramic core. A susceptor material may have an outer protective layer, for example a protective ceramic layer or a protective glass layer. The susceptor material may include a protective coating formed from a glass, a ceramic and/or an inert metal that envelops the core of susceptor material.

The susceptor may comprise several materials, in particular a first material and a second material. The first material is in direct physical contact with the second material. The second material preferably has a Curie temperature that is lower than 500°C. The first material is preferably used primarily to heat the susceptor segment when the susceptor segment is placed in a fluctuating electromagnetic field. Any suitable material may be used. For example, the first material may be aluminum or a ferrous material such as stainless steel. The second material is preferably used primarily to indicate when the susceptor segment has reached a certain temperature, which temperature is the Curie temperature of the second material. The Curie temperature of the second material may be used to regulate the temperature of the entire susceptor segment during operation. Therefore, the Curie temperature of the second material should be below the ignition point of the aerosol forming substrate.

Suitable materials for the second material may include nickel and certain nickel alloys.

The first material is preferably a magnetic material having a Curie temperature that is above 500°C. From a heating efficiency standpoint, it is desirable that the Curie temperature of the first material be above any maximum temperature to which the susceptor segment should be heated. The second Curie temperature may preferably be selected to be lower than 400°C, preferably lower than 380°C or lower than 360°C. The second material is preferably a magnetic material selected to have a second Curie temperature that is substantially equal to a desired maximum heating temperature.

That is, it is preferred that the second Curie temperature is approximately equal to the temperature to which the susceptor segment should be heated to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. The second Curie temperature may, for example, be in the range of 200°C to 400°C or between 250°C and 360°C. The second Curie temperature of the second material may, for example, be selected such that when heated by the susceptor segment having a temperature equal to the second Curie temperature, an overall average temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate of 240°C is not exceeded.

According to a further aspect of the invention, an inductively heatable smoking article is provided for use in an induction heating device. The inductively heatable smoking article comprises or consists of an inductively heatable tobacco product that is produced in the device according to the invention or using the method according to the invention. The inductively heatable smoking article comprises an inductively heatable tobacco segment. The inductively heatable tobacco segment comprises an aerosol-forming tobacco substrate and a susceptor segment. In general, an inductively heatable smoking article is introduced into a cavity of the induction heating device so that the susceptor segment in the tobacco segment is heated by a corresponding inductance of a power supply electronics arranged in the induction heating device.

A tobacco segment (or tobacco product if no further segments or elements are provided) may have a segment length in a range between about 2 millimetres and about 20 millimetres, preferably between about 6 millimetres and about 15 millimetres, particularly preferably between about 8 millimeters and about 12 millimeters, in particular 10 millimeters or 12 millimeters.

The susceptor segment preferably has a length between about 2 mm and about 20 mm, more preferably between about 6 mm and about 15 mm, for example between about 8 mm and about 12 mm, such as about 10 mm or 12 mm.

Preferably, the susceptor segment has a length dimension that is greater than its width dimension and/or its thickness dimension, for example greater than twice its width dimension or its thickness dimension.

The susceptor segment may be a filament, rod, sheet or tape. When the susceptor segment has a constant cross-section, for example a circular cross-section, it has a preferred width or diameter between about 1 millimeter and about 5 millimeters. When the susceptor segment has the form of a film or tape, the film or tape preferably has a substantially rectangular shape with a width preferably between about 2 mm and about 8 mm, more preferably between about 3 mm and about 5 mm, for example 4 mm, and a thickness preferably between about 0.03 mm and about 0.15 mm, most preferably between about 0.04 mm and about 0.1 mm or between 0.05 millimeters and about 0.09 millimeters, for example 0.07 millimeters.

Figur 1 a

Tabaksegment und Suszeptorsegment,

Figur 1 b

Tabaksegment mit fehlerhaft eingeschobenem Suszeptorsegment,

Figur 2 a-q

verschiedene Querschnittsform von Suszeptorsegmenten,

Figur 3

Tabakprodukt mit korrekt eingeschobenem Suszeptorsegment,

Figur 4 a-b

Aufbau einer Trommelmaschine zum Einschieben eines Suszeptorsegments,

Figur 5

zweiter Aufnahmeabschnitt für das Suszeptorsegment

Figur 6 a-d

Ausführungsformen von Suszeptorsegmenten mit geschärfter Schneide und/oder Spitze und

Figur 7

Einschiebe-Trommel zum Einschieben von Suszeptorsegmenten in Tabaksegmente

The invention will be further described with respect to embodiments illustrated by the following drawings:

Figure 1 a

Tobacco segment and susceptor segment,

Figure 1 b

Tobacco segment with incorrectly inserted susceptor segment,

Figure 2 aq

different cross-sectional shapes of susceptor segments,

Figure 3

Tobacco product with correctly inserted susceptor segment,

Figure 4 from

Construction of a drum machine for inserting a susceptor segment,

Figure 5

second receiving section for the susceptor segment

Figure 6 ad

Embodiments of susceptor segments with sharpened cutting edge and/or tip and

Figure 7

Insertion drum for inserting susceptor segments into tobacco segments

Figure 1 a shows a tobacco segment 1 with a core made of crimped tobacco foil, which is enclosed with a wrapping paper, and a susceptor segment 2 in the form of a metal plate, which has a cross-section QS and a longitudinal axis LA. Figure 1 b shows a damaged tobacco segment 1, whereby the susceptor segment 2 did not withstand the counterpressure from the crimped core when inserted into the tobacco product, was bent and damaged the tobacco-containing core and the wrapping material of the tobacco segment.

Based on the knowledge that the susceptor segment 2 in the form of an elongated metal plate can bend when inserted into the tobacco product and damage the tobacco product, the cross-sectional shape of the susceptor segment 2 is adapted in such a way that the axial area moment of inertia is increased. The corresponding cross-sectional shape prevents buckling and bending of the segment, as it is in Figure 1 b can be seen. Figure 2 shows different cross-sectional shapes of a susceptor segment 2. The sub-figures a to m show one-piece susceptor segments 2.1 and the sub-figures n to q show multi-piece susceptor segments 2.2. The cross-sectional shape provides increased rigidity and can also act as a transverse axial positioning aid when inserted into the tobacco segment. If the susceptor segment is located in a receiving section, the receiving section being adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the susceptor segment, this receiving section prevents the segment from being displaced transversely when inserted into the tobacco product. This additional property of the modified cross-sectional shape of the segment is explained in detail in the embodiment according to Figure 5 described.

In order for the susceptor segment 2, which is present as a heat source in a tobacco segment 1, to be able to release the heat evenly to the tobacco segment 1 and thus to achieve efficient aerosol formation, it is advantageous to insert the susceptor segment 2 centrally into the tobacco product 1. In Figure 3 a curved susceptor segment 2 is shown which is inserted centrally in a central section of a tobacco segment 1. In this case, the center of gravity FS of the cross section QS of the susceptor segment 2 is preferably located on the center point M of the round cross section of the tobacco segment 1.

The basic structure of a drum machine 3 of the tobacco processing industry for the production of inductively heated smoking articles, whereby a susceptor segment 2 is provided, the cross-sectional area QS of the susceptor segment is changed in shape and inserted into the tobacco segment 1, is shown in Figure 4 a and b. It This is a drum machine 3, for example a combiner or multi-segment maker. The drum machine 3 shown ( Figure 4 b) is divided into a right module 4 of the tobacco segment provision unit and a left module 5 which provides the susceptor segments 2 and inserts them into the tobacco segments 1.

The provision process of tobacco segments 1 is in Figure 4 a (I), wherein the associated provision module 4 for tobacco segments 1 in Figure 4 b and has a storage facility 6 with rod-shaped articles 7, preferably consisting of crimped or strip-cut tobacco foil, which is provided with a wrapping material, for example paper, aluminum foil and/or aluminum-coated paper. The rod-shaped articles 7 can have a length between 40 mm and 350 mm, preferably between 60 mm and 150 mm, particularly preferably 120 mm, and a diameter between 5 mm and 9 mm, preferably between 6 mm and 8 mm, particularly preferably 7.9 mm or 7.2 mm. Several tobacco segments 7.1 are produced from a rod-shaped article 7. The rod-shaped articles 7 are separated from the storage facility 6 by the drum 101 and divided by the cutting blades 102 and 103. The cutting blades 102,103 can consist of several rotating circular blades arranged on a shaft, so that the rod-shaped article 7 is cut into several segments 7.1, in particular 2, 4, 5, 6 or 8. In a modified embodiment, any shafts with several circular blades in the drum machine 3 can be replaced by a corresponding number of shafts with only one circular blade. The segments 7.1 are staggered on the following drums 104,105 and moved in a row one behind the other on the drums 106,107. These segments are double length, form a conveyor line and are transferred to the drum 108. These work steps are in Figure 4 a (I.1 - I.5). On the drum 108, the segments 7.1 are divided into segments 1 by a further cutting device 109 and spaced apart from one another by means of a spacing device 122, which can be designed as a wedge, for example. The spacing can be between 2 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 6 mm and 10 mm, particularly preferably 8 mm. The spacing of the two tobacco segments has the advantage that a stopper or a holding element (not shown here) can be present behind each segment 1 so that the pressing-in process of the susceptor segment 2 can be carried out without errors.

The Figure 4 a (II) shows the provision of a susceptor segment 2 (11.1 - II.4), the deformation of the cross section QS of the segment 2 (II.5), the transfer to the insertion drum 123 by means of the transfer drum 121 and the positioning in the tobacco segment 1 by pressing (II.7). A susceptor material 8, in this case a metal strip from a running reel, which is not shown here, is introduced into the left module 5 of the drum machine 3 by the conveyor and/or deflection rollers 111 to 113, the roller pair 114, 115 representing a pull roller pair for conveying the metal strip. The metal strip is cut longitudinally axially into two webs 9 and 10 by the cutting device 110. The spacing device 116 spaces the two webs 9, 10 in such a way that further processing can be carried out advantageously. The susceptor material 8 or the two webs 9, 10 can be provided by means of a reel, wherein the metal strip 31 is divided longitudinally into two metal strips 9, 10 by means of a cutting device 110, or can be provided by two running reels, wherein the processing step of cutting in the corresponding embodiment is omitted. On the processing drums 117, 118, the two material strips 9, 10 are cut into susceptor segments 2 and separated. A corresponding cutting and separating device can be designed analogously to a cutting and separating device for tipping paper. The susceptor material 8, for example in the form of a metal strip 31, is held on a roller by means of negative pressure or by a magnetic field and divided by a cutting or punching device. The material web can be divided in such a way that the length of the segments 2 results from the width of the material web, or that the width of the material web forms the width of the susceptor segment 2. Alternatively, the division device with the drums 117, 118 can be replaced by another division device which comprises a laser for severing the susceptor material into susceptor segments. After passing through the drums 117, 118, the separated susceptor segments are transferred to the drum 119. Optionally, after the susceptor material 8 has been divided into susceptor segments 2, an oscillator can change the distance between the susceptor segments and/or an ejection device, for example a blow-out device, can eject defective segments. The drums 119, 120 act as a shape-changing unit that changes the cross-section QS of the susceptor segments 2 in such a way that the axial area moment of inertia, here the longitudinal axis of the susceptor segment 2 is meant, increases in order to prevent the segment 2 from bending and/or being damaged when it is inserted into the tobacco segment 1. The punching or embossing process is carried out by the interaction of the drums 119 and 120. The susceptor segment 2 is advantageously provided with a longitudinally axially extending recess, which is preferably aligned with the center of the drum body 119. After transfer to the drum 121 (II.6), the recess faces of the susceptor segment 2, due to the transfer to the following drum 121, away from the drum center of the drum 121.

The tobacco segments 1 arranged in pairs come from the drum 108 onto the drum 123. On the drum 121, the separated susceptor segments 2 are arranged in pairs next to each other on two conveyor belts and are transferred to the insertion drum 123, which inserts the susceptor segments 2 arranged in pairs into the tobacco segments 1 also arranged in pairs. The processing step of sharpening and/or pointing the susceptor segment 2 can be carried out, for example, by a laser device. A cutting edge can be formed by a device for sharpening the edge arranged on a side edge of the susceptor material 8, 31, in particular a cutting edge sharpened on both sides. Some embodiments of susceptor segments 2 that are molded on and/or provided with a cutting edge 16 are shown in Figure 6 Alternatively, this processing step can be performed by further Figure 4 b not shown device parts, in particular processing drums.

The insertion of the susceptor segment 2 into the tobacco product 1 is described in detail in the Figure 7 and shows a detailed embodiment of a slide-in drum 123.

After the insertion process, the tobacco segments 1 arranged in pairs next to each other with the inserted susceptor segments 2 are located on the drum 123, which are transferred in pairs to the transport drum 124.1. In a manufacturing process of a multi-segment product, the modules 4, 5 of the drum machine 3 can be combined with other modules in order to produce the most diverse multi-segment products. The conveyor drums 124.1 to 124.4 convey the tobacco segments 1 with susceptor segment 2 or the intermediate products to the right edge of the drum machine 3 or the module 4 for transfer to another module or a differently designed processing, transport or packaging device. The transport direction T can be changed as desired and can also run from right to left by modifying the modules 4, 5 or the module arrangement. The conveying direction T can run both horizontally and at an angle α. The drum machine 3 and/or one of the modules 4, 5 can contain a detection device, in particular designed as an eddy current measuring device, in the form of a metal detector, a microwave, X-ray or camera device, which checks the position and existence of the susceptor segment 2 within a tobacco product 1. A further detection device can check the existence and quality of the segments 2, in particular the segments that have changed shape, during the preparation or processing process of the susceptor segments 2. Defective smoking articles or defective intermediate articles are separated from the product flow by an ejection device.

The method for inserting a susceptor segment 2 into a tobacco product 1 can be implemented in a drum machine in the tobacco processing industry. The mass flow, which is conveyed in particular in a single layer, can move continuously and/or in cycles in sections.

According to the invention, the device for inserting the susceptor segment 2 into the tobacco product 1 has a first receiving section 20 for receiving the tobacco products and a second receiving section 11 for receiving the susceptor segments 2. The susceptor segment 2 has a contour 13 which advantageously essentially corresponds to the contour 12 of the second receiving section 11. The susceptor segment 2 is thus guided on one side, essentially over its entire surface, and can be advantageously positioned in a central section of the tobacco segment 1 by this guide. One possible embodiment can be an insertion drum 123 with a radial trough offset on the outer surface. The second receiving section 11 for the susceptor segment 2 can be located on the part of the outer surface that has a larger radius, and the tobacco product 1 on the other part that has the smaller radius. This ensures that the susceptor segment 2 is guided by the contour 12 of the second receiving section and inserted into a central section of the tobacco product. The susceptor segment 2 is held on the second receiving section 11 by a holding device 19, in particular an opening that can be subjected to negative pressure. This can be a magnetic holding device, a clamping device and/or a negative pressure holder. The susceptor segment 2 can contain a further shape 17, which is guided by a groove, tongue, elevation or depression 18 in the second receiving section 11 and prevents a transverse axial displacement of the susceptor segment 2. In particular, the contour 13 of the susceptor segment 2 is adapted to the contour 12 of the receiving surface 212. Due to this coordinated shape, the susceptor segment 2 preferably lies self-centeringly on the support surface 212. This is ensured by the preferably round shape of the depression of the susceptor segment 2 and by a depression of the receiving surface 212, which is essentially adapted to the depression of the susceptor segment 2. The susceptor segment 2 has a pointed and/or provided with a cutting edge 16 first end 14 and a flat second end 15, wherein the pointed and/or provided with a cutting edge first end 14 faces the tobacco product. The cross section QS is essentially constant in the longitudinal axial direction according to the longitudinal axis LA. This enables easy pressing into the tobacco product 1 as well as precise positioning during pressing.

The insertion of the susceptor segment 2 can be facilitated by a special design of the segment. In Figure 6 a to d Various designs of pointed and/or cutting edge susceptor segments are shown. Figure 6 a shows a rectangular metal plate 2, the first end 14 being sharpened and provided with a cutting edge 16. The Figure 6 b shows a side view of the Figure 6 a shown sharpened susceptor segment 2. The sharpening and/or pointing of the susceptor segment 2 can be integrated as an explicit process step in the process for producing an inductively heatable smoking article. Figure 6 c also shows a susceptor segment 2 with a sharpened cutting edge 16, whereby the segment is additionally provided with a laterally arranged tip 28. Due to this design, the segment 2 performs a pulling cut when pressed into the tobacco segment 1, which ensures easy penetration into the tobacco segment 1. In Figure 6 d the tip 28 is in the middle and the blade 16 is arranged on both sides next to the tip 28. When the segment is inserted into the tobacco product, each of the two halves makes a pulling cut, which facilitates penetration. The blades 16 can be designed in Figure 6 a and b are sharpened on both sides. The tips 28 are preferably designed symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the susceptor segment 2 and a cutting edge sharpened on both sides is preferable. This ensures particularly advantageous insertion, since shape-related displacement transverse to the insertion direction is avoided. The tips 28 are designed symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the susceptor segment 2 and a cutting edge sharpened on both sides is preferable. Figure 6 The susceptor segments 2 shown are in particular provided with a change in the shape of the cross section QS according to Figure 2 provided.

Figure 7 shows an insertion drum 123 for inserting susceptor segments 2 into tobacco products 1, for example into a segment of crimped tobacco foil. The drum 123 comprises a first receiving section 20 for receiving the tobacco products 1 and second receiving sections 11 for receiving susceptor segments 2. Each second receiving section 11 has several receptacles 22 for susceptor segments 2. In the embodiment shown, several second receiving sections 11 are arranged on the insertion drum 123, which are controlled via a cam gear, for example on a jacket surface within the drum 123. The receiving sections 11 are arranged on a linear guide rail, with each receiving section 11 comprising three receptacles 22. The number of receptacles 22 of the second receptacle section 11 can be different or identical for each receptacle section 11, in particular 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or at least 6 receptacles 22. An advantageous embodiment of a second receptacle section 11 comprises exactly two, three or four receptacles 22, since the insertion of the susceptor segments 2 into two, three or four tobacco products 1 can take place simultaneously, thus increasing the speed of the production process and being compatible with the requirements of implementation on drum machines in the tobacco processing industry. These receptacles 22 consist of a cantilever arm 23 and a holder 30 for fixing the susceptor segments 2. This fixing can take place by means of a receiving groove, clamping device and/or magnetic holder. The holder 30 is designed in such a way that the height of the insertion height of the susceptor segment 2 can be adjusted manually or automatically, for example if Tobacco products 1 with different diameters can be produced, for example after a machine changeover.

In an alternative embodiment, the cantilever arms 23 do not have a holder 30 for the susceptor segments 2, but instead implement the insertion of the susceptor segment 2 into the tobacco product 1 without holding the segments. The susceptor segments 2 are held on a partial area of the almond surface of the drum body 123 and in particular guided in a guide device, preferably in a guide groove. This holding can be achieved, for example, by the guide groove, magnetism and/or negative pressure. In order to ensure that the susceptor segment 2 is inserted into the tobacco product 1 in the correct position, the outer surface in this area of the drum body can be designed with a radial offset.

The first receiving section 20, which is also located on the outer surface of the insertion drum 123, comprises at least one trough 24 for each tobacco product 1, which is provided on both sides with a side wall 25 and a holding element 21, which in this case is designed as a stopper element, and prevents longitudinal axial displacement of the tobacco product 1 by inserting the susceptor segments 2. The troughs 24.1 - 24.3 of the first receiving section 20 can be assigned in groups to the respective second receiving sections 11.

By means of electric drives or a cam gear, the segments 2 on the second receiving section can be moved relative to the first receiving section 20 in order to insert the susceptor segments 2. The susceptor segments 2 are advantageously shorter than the tobacco product 1 so that the susceptor segments do not penetrate the tobacco product. This could have a negative impact on the further processing. The susceptor segments 2 are advantageously located in a groove or guide 18 (in Figure 7 not shown) and are guided during insertion to avoid a transverse axial displacement of the segments 2. This guide 18 can also be designed according to the Figure 5 shown part of the second receiving section 11. Advantageously, in the following method steps, the tobacco product 1 provided with a susceptor segment 2 can be combined with other segments to form a rod-shaped article.

The Figure 7 The insertion drum shown inserts susceptor segments 2 into tobacco products 1 on a single-lane conveyor line and is suitable for a single-lane production process. The drum machine in Figure 4 shows a two-lane conveyor line, each with two susceptor segments and two tobacco products 1. The insertion drum 123 from Figure 4 has two conveyor lines, which can be formed, for example, by mirroring the insertion drum 123 in Figure 7 on the left side wall 29. Two tracks of carriages push the products or the segments from the center of the drum outwards. The push-in drum 123 can have shifting drive types for the relative movement of the receiving sections 11, 20, in particular electric drive means or a cam-controlled drive.

Claims (17)

1. Method for producing inductively heatable smoking products (1), wherein the method comprises the following steps:

   - providing a tobacco product (1);

   - providing a susceptor segment (2), wherein the susceptor segment (2) has a longitudinal axis (LA) and a cross-section (QS) oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis (LA) with an axial area moment of inertia;

   - increasing the axial area moment of inertia of the cross-section (QS) of the susceptor segment (2), in particular by changing the shape of the cross-section, preferably by an in particular deforming punching, embossing and/or rolling process;

   - positioning the shape-changed susceptor segment (2) in the tobacco product (1) by moving the susceptor segment (2) and the tobacco product (1) relative to one another, whereby the susceptor segment (2) is introduced, in particular pressed, into the tobacco product (1), wherein

   - a magazine with prefabricated susceptor segments (2) is provided.
2. Method for producing inductively heatable smoking products (1), wherein the method comprises the following steps:

   - providing a tobacco product (1);

   - providing a susceptor material (2), wherein the susceptor material (2) has a longitudinal axis (LA) and a cross-section (QS) oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis (LA) with an axial area moment of inertia;

   - increasing the axial area moment of inertia of the cross-section (QS) of the susceptor material (2), in particular by changing the shape of the cross-section, preferably by an in particular deforming punching, embossing and/or rolling process;

   - dividing the susceptor material (8, 31) into a plurality of susceptor segments (2),

   - positioning one of the plurality of susceptor segments (2) in the tobacco product (1) by moving the susceptor segment (2) and the tobacco product (1) relative to each other, whereby the susceptor segment (2) is introduced, in particular pressed, into the tobacco product (1), wherein

   - the susceptor material (2) is provided in the form of an endless strip, preferably running from a bobbin.
3. Method according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the increase in the axial area moment of inertia of the susceptor segment (2) or susceptor material (8, 31) along the longitudinal axis (LA) is carried out by means of a substantially constant, in particular identical or partially different change in shape of the cross-section (QS).
4. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the step of positioning the susceptor segment (2) in the tobacco product (1) comprises positioning the susceptor segment (2) in a central portion of the tobacco product (1), preferably based on the length and/or the height and/or the width and/or the diameter of the tobacco product (1).
5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cross-section (QS) of the susceptor segment (2) formed by the change in shape forms a positioning portion (17) which ensures a positionally stable receiving and/or a shape-related centring of the susceptor segment (2) in the positioning portion (17).
6. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the susceptor segment (2) is guided on one side or both sides, in particular over its entire surface, during the positioning step.
7. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the length of the susceptor segment (2) is smaller than, larger than or equal to the length of a tobacco product (1).
8. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the susceptor segment (2) has a first end (14) that is pointed and/or provided with a cutting edge (16) and a second end (15) opposite the first end (14), and the susceptor segment (2) is arranged such that the first end (14) that is pointed and/or provided with a cutting edge (16) is directed against the tobacco product (1) before or during positioning.
9. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that a plurality of tobacco products (1) and a plurality of susceptor segments (2) are provided for positioning, each of the susceptor segments (2) being introduced into a corresponding tobacco product (1), in particular positioned in front of a tobacco product (1) and pressed in or able to be pressed in.
10. Method according to claim 9, characterised in that the relative movements are implemented individually or in groups one after the other during each pressing of the susceptor segment (2) into the associated tobacco product (1) during the positioning step, in particular each group of susceptor segments (2) being pressed simultaneously into the associated tobacco products (1) and comprising a number of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8 susceptor segments (2).
11. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the tobacco product (1) is arranged in a depression, in particular a trough (24), or the tobacco products (1) are arranged in a plurality of depressions, in particular troughs (24), and in that a step of fixing the tobacco product (1) in a depression, in particular a trough (24), or the tobacco products (1) in a plurality of depressions, in particular troughs (24), is carried out by providing a holding element (21) or a plurality of holding elements (21).
12. Device (3) for producing inductively heatable tobacco products (1), comprising a first receiving portion (20) which has at least one recess, in particular a trough (24), for receiving at least one tobacco product (1),

    a second receiving portion (11) having at least one receptacle (22) for at least one susceptor segment (2),

    the susceptor segment (2) comprising a longitudinal axis (LA) and a cross-section (QS) arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis;

    the first receiving portion (20) or parts of the first receiving portion (20) and the second receiving portion (11) or parts of the second receiving portion (11) being designed to be movable relative to and against one another, and the first receiving portion (20) and the second receiving portion (11) being arranged such that the at least one susceptor segment (2) in the receptacle (22) of the second receiving portion (11) can be inserted and positioned in the at least one tobacco product (1) in the first receiving portion (20) during a relative movement between the first and the second receiving portion (20, 11) or parts of the receiving portions, characterised in that the device (3) comprises a means (119, 120) for increasing the axial area moment of inertia of the cross-section (QS) of the susceptor segment (2), in particular by changing the shape of the cross-section, preferably by an in particular deforming punching and/or rolling process; and in which a magazine with prefabricated susceptor segments (2) is provided or in which the susceptor material (2) is provided in the form of an endless strip, preferably running from a bobbin.
13. Device according to claim 12, characterised in that the device (3) further comprises a fixing element (21) for fixing the at least one tobacco product (1) in the at least one recess or trough of the first receiving portion (20), the fixing element (21) ensuring the position of the tobacco product (1) in the recess or trough (24), preferably also during the positioning of the susceptor segment (2) in the tobacco product (1).
14. Device according to either claim 12 or claim 13, characterised in that the first receiving portion (20) and the second receiving portion (11) are arranged on an in particular rotationally drivable drum body (123) of a drum machine (3) of the tobacco processing industry.
15. Device according to any of claims 12 to 14, characterised in that at least one receptacle (22) of the second receptacle portion (11) comprises a support surface (212) for receiving the at least one susceptor segment (2), the contour (12) of the receptacle surface substantially corresponding to the cross-section (QS) or the contour (13) of the susceptor segment (2) which is pressed into the tobacco product (1), the susceptor segment (2) or the susceptor segments (2) being preferably held by negative pressure, by a clamping mechanism, by clamping mechanisms, and/or magnetically.
16. Device according to any of claims 12 to 15, characterised in that the insertion of the susceptor segment (2) into the tobacco product (1) is implemented by a relative linear movement between the first receiving portion (20) and the second receiving portion (11) or between at least a part of the first receiving portion (20) and/or at least a part of the second receiving portion (11), preferably in a direction along the longitudinal extension of the at least one depression or trough (24) or in a direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of the at least one depression or trough (24).
17. Device according to any of claims 12 to 16, characterised in that the device (3) comprises a plurality of first receiving portions (20) each having at least one depression or trough (24), in particular a number of 2, 3, 4 or 5 depressions or troughs (24), and a plurality of second receiving portions (11) each having at least one, in particular a number of 2, 3, 4 or 5, receptacles (22), the relative movements of each pairing, consisting of a first receiving portion (20) and a second receiving portion (11), taking place simultaneously or one after the other and inserting, pressing and/or positioning the at least one susceptor segment (2) into the at least one tobacco product (1).

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