WO2024099717A1

WO2024099717A1 - Additive application within aerosol-generating segment-converging device

Info

Publication number: WO2024099717A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/078958
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ruixi ZHANG; Daniel Nhân NGUYEN
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
Priority date: 2022-11-08
Filing date: 2023-10-18
Publication date: 2024-05-16

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for producing an aerosol-generating segment (3) of an aerosol-generating article. The device (1) comprises: a conveyor device (5) configured to convey a wrapper (11) with aerosol-generating substrate (21) deposited on the wrapper (11) in a conveying direction, a converging device (13) configured to converge the wrapper (11) with the aerosol-generating substrate (21), wherein the converging device (13) comprises a divider (23), the divider (23) protruding into the aerosol-generating substrate (21) to divide the aerosol-generating substrate (21) at least partially, and wherein the converging device (13) comprises a dispensing opening (37) to dispense an additive into the aerosol-generating substrate (21). The invention further relates to a method for producing an aerosol-generating segment (3) containing aerosol-generating substrate (21) and the use of a divider (23) in the form of a blade to apply additive within an aerosol-generating substrate (21).

Description

Additive Application within Aerosol-Generating Segment-Converging Device

The present invention relates to a device for producing an aerosol-generating segment of an aerosol-generating article. The present invention also relates to a method for producing an aerosol-generating segment containing aerosol-generating substrate and a use of a divider in the form of a blade.

US4619276 discloses a method and apparatus for applying foamed material to tobacco filler. In a first disclosed embodiment, the foamed material is added to the filler in the chimney of a cigarette maker from which the filler is drawn upwards onto a perforated vacuum belt. In a second disclosed embodiment, the foamed material is added to the filler before the filler leaves the vacuum belt. In a third disclosed embodiment, the foamed material is added from an upper wall of a compression foot of a rod-forming short tongue.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for producing an aerosol-generating segment of an aerosol-generating article. The device comprises a conveyor device configured to convey a wrapper with aerosol-generating substrate deposited on the wrapper in a conveying direction and a converging device configured to converge the wrapper with the aerosol-generating substrate. The converging device comprises a divider, the divider protruding into the aerosol-generating substrate to divide the aerosol-generating substrate at least partially. The converging device comprises a dispensing opening to dispense an additive into the aerosol-generating substrate.

The aerosol-generating substrate and wrapper are conveyed along the conveying direction from an upstream end of the divider to a downstream end of the divider.

Dispensing an additive by a dispensing opening within the converging device prevents that the devices handling the aerosol-generating substrate in the production line upstream of the converging device are subjected to the additive. This reduces the necessary cleaning effort and improves the availability of the production line. The position of the dispensing opening within the converging device may allow to inject the additive into the aerosol-generating substrate in a particular location when the forming of the aerosol-generating segment has already started. Dispensing the additive in the converging device is at a stage when the rearrangement of the aerosol-generating substrate may already be limited, as compared to a stage of the transportation of the aerosol-generating substrate upstream of the converging device. Thus, the location within the aerosol-generating substrate where the additive is added may be more precise and the additive may remain essentially stationary relative to the aerosol-generating substrate during the remaining production process. The divider creates a space within the stream of aerosolgenerating substrate that may allow to insert the additive in a desirable amount and enclosed by aerosol-generating substrate. The additive may then diffuse into the surrounding aerosolgenerating substrate. The surrounding aerosol-generating substrate may absorb the additive or may store the additive within its structure or both. The size and position of the space created by the divider within the aerosol-generating substrate may be adapted such that the additive remains within the aerosol-generating substrate without diffusing to the wrapper. The amount of additive may be adapted such that the additive remains within the aerosol-generating substrate without diffusing to the wrapper. Thus, staining of the wrapper may be prevented.

The converging device may be adapted to converge the wrapper with the aerosolgenerating substrate into a rod. The rod may be a cigarette or may be a “heat not burn” (HnB) article for use in combination with an aerosol-generating device, in which aerosol-generating material is heated to release aerosol but not burned. The rod may have an external diameter of between 5 millimeters and 13 millimeters. The rod may be of essentially circular-cylindrical form, having a central longitudinal axis extending in the conveying direction. Thus, the distance from the central longitudinal axis to the wrapper is essentially the same in all directions. Dividing the aerosol-generating substrate during the formation of the rod may provide a well-defined space and position for injecting the additive into the aerosol-generating substrate.

The aerosol-generating substrate may be loose cut filler. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise plant-based material. The aerosol-generating substrate may be a material containing alkaloids. The alkaloid may comprise nicotine. The aerosol-generating substrate may be tobacco. Instead or in addition to tobacco, other plant-based materials may be part of the aerosol-generating substrate. The stream of cut filler may already be at least partially fixed in position in the converging device but can still be divided by the divider. Accordingly, it may be possible to inject the additive at a well-defined position into the aerosol-generating segment being formed. The additive may be injected at a well-defined position into a rod-shaped aerosolgenerating segment being formed.

The divider may be essentially plane, having its main extension in a longitudinal axis of the converging device along the conveying direction and a vertical axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Thus, the aerosol-generating substrate may be divided sufficiently to provide a gap for the dispensing opening and injecting the additive downstream of the divider. The gap may be less than one third of the width of the stream of aerosol-generating substrate. This may promote the subsequent closing of the gap downstream of the divider. Further, this design may provide stability to the divider.

The divider may extend along the conveying direction with at least locally progressively increasing height along the conveying direction. This may enable the gradual splitting of the stream of aerosol-generating substrate to a left side and a right side of the divider. This may avoid a congestion of aerosol-generating substrate at the upstream end of the divider. This may facilitate a deflection of aerosol-generating substrate to a third side or direction. This third side is the side to which the height of the divider gradually increases, namely the lower side. Thus, the aerosol-generating substrate may be deflected to three directions, the left, right and lower direction. This may reduce compression of aerosol-generating substrate at a single side. This may reduce compression of aerosol-generating substrate as compared to divider having its maximum height already at its upstream end.

The divider may have its maximum height in the last third of its extension along the conveying direction. This may provide sufficient range and time to divide the stream of aerosolgenerating substrate without abrupt disturbance of the stream and without congestion of the aerosol-generating substrate in front of the divider. Further, this may provide improved mechanical stability to the divider since an abrupt deceleration of material at the upstream end of the divider may essentially be avoided. A torsion or oscillation of the divider or both may essentially be avoided.

The height of the divider may increase continuously at least partially along the conveying direction. This may provide a continuous gradual split of the stream of aerosol-generating substrate.

At least the upstream half of the divider may be inclined by an angle of less than 20 degrees, in particular in between 10 degrees and 20 degrees, with respect to the conveying direction. This may prevent abrupt resistance to the stream of aerosol-generating substrate. Thus may provide a smoothly increasing split of the aerosol-generating substrate.

The divider may have a substantially triangular shape. Thus, a divider with increasing height is provided that may gradually split the stream of aerosol-generating substrate. The upper downstream angle of the triangular shape may be the biggest angle. The downstream side of the triangular shape may be the shortest side of the triangular shape. Thus, a long side lower side may be available for splitting the stream of aerosol-generating substrate and a comparably short downstream side provides sufficient space for arranging the dispensing opening in a gap of aerosol-generating substrate. The triangular shape may be a rectangular triangle. The upper downstream angle of the triangle may have 90 degrees. This may provide a downstream end of the divider which is essentially perpendicular to the conveying direction. This may further provide a possibility to lead a pipe in a vertical direction and adjacent the divider into the stream of aerosolgenerating substrate.

The divider may comprise a downstream portion having a lower height than an upstream portion of the divider. This may provide a position of the dispensing opening offset of the furthest lower extent of the gap in the aerosol-generating substrate, created by the furthest extent of the divider. This may facilitate to dispense the additive from the dispensing opening into a cavity or gap. This may allow a favorable distribution of additive within the aerosol-generating substrate. The dispensing opening may be arranged in an indent of the divider. The indent may be arranged at the downstream end of the divider. The height of the divider may be constant at least in a portion of the divider. This may provide stability to the divider. The gap in the aerosol-generating substrate may further receive stability.

The divider may have a varying width. This may allow to vary the size of the gap of the aerosol-generating substrate. The width of the divider may vary gradually. This may allow to gradually vary the width of the gap of the aerosol-generating substrate. This may prevent abrupt compressions of the aerosol-generating substrate upstream of an increase in width of the divider or accumulation or swirl of the aerosol-generating substrate adjacent downstream of a decrease in width of the divider. Accordingly, disturbance of the stream of aerosol-generating substrate may be minimized.

The width of the divider may increase at least in a portion of the divider along the conveying direction. This may allow to split the stream of aerosol-generating substrate gradually, starting from a minimal or zero width at the upstream end of the divider until a width suitable to dispense the additive at the downstream end of the divider. This may prevent a compression of the aerosolgenerating substrate at the upstream end of the divider and therefore sustaining an essentially continuous stream of aerosol-generating substrate. The divider may be at least partially wedge shaped. Additionally, a portion of decreasing width of the divider may be provided. The portion of decreasing width may be located downstream to a portion of constant width or to a portion of increasing width. This may allow to close the stream of aerosol-generating substrate gradually. The dispensing opening may be located upstream of the portion of decreasing width.

The divider may be integrally formed with the converging device. This may provide stability and may allow to reduce the width of the divider.

The divider may have a height of between 2.5 millimeters and 4.5 millimeters. Thus, the divider reaches into the stream of aerosol-generating substrate and may generate a gap of a corresponding height.

The divider may have a height of between 3.0 and 4.0 millimeters. Thus, a stream of aerosol-generating substrate being formed into a segment or rod having a diameter of around 7 millimeters may be split until close to the middle or slightly further. This may allow to dispense the additive in the area of the central longitudinal axis of the segment being formed.

The divider may have a height of between 40 % and 70 % of the aerosol-generating segment diameter. This may allow to inject additive into the inner part or center of the aerosolgenerating substrate. This may that additive is provided in the inner part or center of the aerosolgenerating segment being formed.

The divider may have a width of between 1 millimeters and 2 millimeters. This may generate a gap in the aerosol-generating substrate such that an adequate amount of additive may be injected. The divider may have a width of 1.5 millimeters. A corresponding channel or pipe may be arranged adjacent or within the divider and may have a corresponding dispensing opening.

The divider may have a width of between 150 % and 400 % of the width of the dispensing opening. This may allow to provide a channel within the divider with stable side walls. It may provide stable side walls of the divider, when a pipe extends through the divider. The divider comprises stability against forces arising from the stream of aerosol-generating substrate and from the pressure of the additive. Further, a gap with sufficient space to inject the additive without substantial interference of the aerosol-generating substrate with the dispensing opening may be provided.

The divider may have a length of between 15 millimeters and 25 millimeters. This may allow to build up a gap over a sufficiently long distance to avoid abrupt changes in the stream of aerosolgenerating substrate and therefore to reduce disturbances of the stream.

The divider may be at least partially formed of metal. This may provide stability and the divider may be easily cleaned.

The divider may be coated with a friction reducing material. This may allow the stream of aerosol-generating substrate to flow by while being subjected to reduced friction forces.

The divider may be arranged along a central lateral position of the converging device. This may allow to dispense the additive along the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating segment being formed.

The divider may extend at least from an aerosol-generating substrate facing wall of the converging device to one third of the thickness of the aerosol-generating substrate. This may allow to dispense the additive at a position sufficiently far within the aerosol-generating segment being formed. This may allow the additive to distribute within the aerosol-generating substrate without reaching the wrapper. The aerosol-generating substrate may simultaneously be at least partially in contact with a wall of the converging device to be shaped into the intended form.

The divider may be arranged at an inlet end of the converging device. This may allow to dispense the additive at a stage where the aerosol-generating segment is already being formed but the compaction of the aerosol-generating substrate has not yet reached its final state, thus easing the splitting of the stream.

The dispensing opening may be located within the stream of aerosol-generating substrate. This allows the additive to spread within the aerosol-generating substrate. The additive may be stored between the substrate material and may be soaked up by the substrate material. The amount of additive may be chosen such, that the additive may not reach the wrapper. Thus, a staining of the wrapper may be prevented.

The dispensing opening may be located laterally central in the converging device. Accordingly, the additive may be injected in a central lateral position. It may be beneficial to dispense the additive along the central vertical axis but above the central longitudinal axis of the converging device or the segment being formed, since the additive may seep downwards within the aerosol-generating substrate due to gravity.

The dispensing opening may be located vertically central in the divider.. Thus, the additive may spread equally from this central point in all directions of the aerosol-generating segment being formed. This may allow to use diffusion and capillary forces in an already at least partially formed segment of aerosol-generating substrate.

The dispensing opening is located along a central transversal axis of the segment being formed. Thus, the additive may spread equally upwards and downwards within the aerosolgenerating substrate.

The dispensing opening may be located adjacent the central longitudinal axis of the segment being formed. This may facilitate that the additive is deposited near or at the longitudinal central axis. This may prevent that the additive comes in contact with the wrapper and causes staining of the wrapper. To deposit additive adjacent the central longitudinal axis may take into account that additive may spread within the aerosol-generating substrate due to gravity or due to diffusion or both. Thus, the additive may be dispensed slightly above the central longitudinal axis.

A dispensing direction of the additive with respect to the conveying direction may be in between - 45 degrees and 45 degrees, preferably in between - 10 degrees and 10 degrees, ideally 0 degrees. The angle is measured from the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating segment being formed to an upside or downside direction respectively. This may prevent the dispensing opening from being blocked with aerosol-generating substrate, since the dispensing opening faces at least partly into the downstream direction.

The dispensing opening may be adapted to predominantly dispense the additive in the conveying direction. This may prevent the dispensing opening from being blocked by aerosolgenerating substrate. Further, this may ensure, that the additive is dispensed at a well-defined position that is essentially remained during the further production process. The dispensing opening may face in the downstream direction.

The dispensing opening may be adapted to predominantly dispense the additive perpendicular to the conveying direction. This may support that the additive is taken away by the stream of aerosol-generating substrate. This may be beneficial when low amount of additive is dispensed. It may further be beneficial when the additive is dispensed as timely separated droplets. Further, the pipe or channel leading to the dispensing opening may easier be manufactured.

The dispensing direction of the additive with respect to the conveying direction may be more than 45 degrees and less than 135 degrees. This may support that the additive is taken away by the stream of aerosol-generating substrate. The dispensing opening may have a diameter of between 0.7 millimeters and 1.3 millimeters. This range may allow to apply a broad range of fluid viscosity of the additive and a broad range of machine speeds. In the case of using an additive with higher fluid viscosity, a larger diameter may be chosen to allow a reduction of the pressure applied by a pump system. In the case of setting a higher machine speed, a larger diameter may also be chosen to allow a reduction of the pressure applied by the pump system.

The dispensing opening may have a diameter of between 0.7 millimeters and 0.9 millimeters. This may be sufficiently broad to dispense additive and may correspond to a width of the divider and the gap in the stream of aerosol-generating substrate.

The dispensing opening may be provided at a downstream end of the divider. This may enable to dispense the additive in the gap of the stream of aerosol-generating substrate divided by the divider. Subsequently, the stream may close again comprising the additive.

The dispensing opening may be provided at a lower side of the divider. This may enable to dispense the additive directly onto aerosol-generating substrate at a lower side of the gap created by the divider. The lower side of the divider may be arranged adjacent to the central longitudinal axis of the segment being formed or may coincide with the central longitudinal axis. This may support an accelerated uptake of the additive by the aerosol-generating substrate.

The dispensing opening may be integrated in the divider. This may allow to form a pipe or channel integrally within the divider. This may simplify the manufacturing of the device. Further, it simplifies to provide the dispensing opening flush with a side of the divider.

The dispensing opening may be located adjacent the downstream end of the divider. This may enable to dispense the additive in the already formed gap of the stream of aerosol-generating substrate. The dispensing opening may be the end of a pipe separate from the divider and routed next to the divider to the downstream end of the divider. However, the dispensing opening may also be arranged in a lower side of the divider adjacent to a vertical downstream end of the divider.

The dispensing opening may be located at the same lateral position as the divider. This may enable to dispense the additive at a central position. Further, this may enable to dispense the additive in a central position of the gap of the aerosol-generating substrate. The dispensing opening may be the end of a pipe being located adjacent the downstream end of the divider.

The dispensing opening may be flush with the lower side of the divider. This may enable to dispense the additive on aerosol-generating substrate representing the lower side of the gap formed by the divider. The lower side of the divider may be adjacent the central longitudinal axis of the segment of aerosol-generating substrate being formed. Thus, the dispensing opening maybe the end of a pipe extending from an upper part of the converging device until the lower side of the divider. The dispensing opening may be flush with the downstream end of the divider. This may simplify the manufacturing of the divider since the dispensing opening may be formed in the divider as a bore. The additive may be dispensed directly at the downstream end, where die gap of the divided aerosol-generating substrate exits to its full extent.

The lower side of the divider may be essentially horizontal. This may provide the possibility to arrange the dispensing opening in the lower side and dispensing the additive directly onto the stream of aerosol-generating substrate passing by. Thereby the risk of plugging the dispensing opening may be reduced. The lower side of the divider may be parallel to the conveying direction. The lower side of the divider may be parallel to the central longitudinal axis.

The dispensing opening may be located with an offset to the lower side of the divider. This may allow to dispense the additive with a distance to the aerosol-generating substrate passing by. Thus, the additive may be dispensed in droplets. Further, the aerosol-generating substrate may be prevented from direct contact with the dispensing opening and the risk of plugging the dispensing opening may be reduced.

The dispensing opening may be located adjacent to the lower side of the divider. This may allow to dispense the additive near the lower side of the gap created in the aerosol-generating substrate but without direct contact of the aerosol-generating substrate with the dispensing opening.

The dispensing opening may be located with an offset of between 0.4 millimeters and 0.6 millimeters to the lower side of the divider. This may prevent plugging of the dispensing opening with aerosol-generating substrate.

The center of the dispensing opening may be positioned in a distance of between 0.6 millimeters and 1 .0 millimeters from a lateral side of the divider. This may allow a correspondingly thin divider and lateral sidewalls of the dispensing opening.

Two or more dispensing openings may be arranged on the divider. There may be a dispensing opening arranged on two or more of the downstream end, the upstream end and the lower side of the divider. This may allow to increase the amount of additive that is absorbed by the aerosol-generating substrate. This may provide an increased timeframe, during that the additive can be absorbed by the aerosol-generating substrate.

The dispensing opening may be provided on a pipe. This allows to position the dispensing opening separate from the divider. Further, the pipe may be replaceable and pipes with different diameters may be chosen.

The center of the dispensing opening may be located with an offset of between 200 % and 400 % of the diameter of the aerosol-generating segment to the lower side of the divider. This may prevent the dispensing opening or the associated pipe, or both, from deformation or damage. The pipe may be integrally formed or embedded within the divider. This may provide a space-saving way to guide the additive into the stream of aerosol-generating substrate. Additionally, the position of the dispensing opening may be separate from the divider.

The pipe may have an end portion extending downstream of the divider. This may enable to dispense the additive with close contact to the stream of aerosol-generating substrate. Therefore, the dispensing opening may be positioned where the stream of aerosol-generating substrate closes again.

The pipe may be arranged adjacent the downstream end of the divider. This may be a space-saving position and it may prevent that the pipe interferes with the stream of aerosolgenerating substrate.

The pipe may have an end portion inclined with respect to the conveying direction. This may enhance the uptake of additive by the stream of aerosol-generating substrate while preventing the dispensing opening from being blocked by aerosol-generating substrate.

The pipe may have an end portion essentially parallel to the conveying direction. This may prevent the dispensing opening from being blocked.

The end portion of the pipe may be arranged separately of the divider. This may allow to choose further positions for the dispensing opening. The end portion may have a length so that the dispensing opening is located in a position where the stream of aerosol-generating substrate already partly converges again.

The end portion of the pipe may extend within a longitudinally elongated part of the divider. This may provide additional stability to the pipe while being able to position the dispensing opening with a distance to the remaining main part of the divider.

The outer diameter of the pipe may equal the width of the divider. This may prevent further interference of the pipe with the stream of aerosol-generating substrate. The width of the pipe and the width of the divider may be aligned and chosen in dependency of the amount of additive that is inserted.

The aerosol-generating substrate facing wall of the converging device may be at least partially concave-shaped. This shape may be imposed on the aerosol-generating substrate in order to form a rod-shaped aerosol-generating segment. The divider may be at least partially arranged in the concave-shaped part of the wall. Thus, the dividing and the rod-shaping of the stream of aerosol-generating substrate may take place simultaneously.

A width of the converging device may at least partially decrease in the conveying direction. This may support the formation of the segment and converge the aerosol-generating substrate.

A height of a side wall of the converging device may at least partially decrease in the conveying direction. This may allow to support the converging of the aerosol-generating substrate at the upstream part of the converging device and to impose a curvature on a further downstream part.

The device may further comprise a vacuum conveyor for transporting aerosol-generating substrate from a reservoir onto the wrapper. The aerosol-generating substrate may be cut filler. The cut filler may comprise tobacco material. At the downstream end of the vacuum conveyor or at a position where no vacuum is applied anymore, the cut filler may be transferred onto the wrapper on the conveying device that conveys the wrapper through the converging device. The cut filler may be transported at the lower side of the belt of the vacuum conveyor and may fall down on the wrapper where no vacuum is applied anymore.

The device may further comprise a supply of wrapper. The wrapper may be supplied in a continuous way from a bobbin.

The device may further comprise an adhesive application device for disposing adhesive on a free end of the wrapper. This may allow to close the aerosol-generating segment by overlapping of the free end of the wrapper with another part of the wrapper of the aerosol-generating segment.

The device may further comprise a wrapping device to wrap up the wrapper to form the aerosol-generating segment. The wrapping device may close the aerosol-generating segment. The wrapping device may push a free end of the wrapper onto another part of the aerosolgenerating segment. Additive may have been applied previously to that free end.

The device may further comprise a heating element to create an adhesive connection on the overlapping area of the wrapper. The heating may dry or harden the adhesive or both. This may establish a seam that keeps the aerosol-generating substrate enclosed by the wrapper. The adhesive connection may be waterproof.

The device may further comprise a cutting device to cut the aerosol-generating segment. This may provide aerosol-generating segments of a specified length from the continuous aerosolgenerating segment which is formed by the converging device.

The device may further comprise a heating unit for heating a heated part of the device, wherein the heated part may be in contact with the additive. This may improve the processing of the additive. This may reduce the viscosity of the additive. This may change the aggregate state of the additive. The heated part may be the converging device. The heated part may be the divider. The heated part may be the pipe or channel leading to the dispensing opening. The heating unit may heat the additive.

The heating unit may be adapted to heat the heated part to any temperature between 15 degrees Celsius and 70 degrees Celsius, in particular 25 degrees and 70 degrees Celsius. The heating unit may be adapted to heat the heated part to any temperature between 15 degrees Celsius and 45 degrees Celsius or between 25 degrees Celsius and 45 degrees Celsius. The heating unit may be adapted to heat the heated part to any temperature between 45 degrees Celsius and 75 degrees Celsius. This may improve processabilty of the additive. An additive which has a crystalline aggregate state at around 20 degrees Celsius that is at ambient room temperature, may change to liquid aggregate state at higher temperatures. This may facilitate processing flavors. This may facilitate processing additives such as menthol, which has a crystal aggregate state at ambient room temperature.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for producing an aerosol-generating segment containing aerosol-generating substrate. The method comprises the steps of: Conveying a wrapper with aerosol-generating substrate disposed on the wrapper along a conveying direction through a converging device; dividing at least partially the aerosol-generating substrate by a divider within the converging device; dispensing an additive into the at least partially divided aerosol-generating substrate.

This may enable to deposit additive into the aerosol-generating substrate at a well-defined position. The dividing of the aerosol-generating substrate may take place when it has already at least partially taken on the shape of the aerosol-generating segment to be formed. The aerosolgenerating segment being formed may be rod-shaped. The wrapper however may still be open at one side, preferably the upper side, so that the divider can reach into the stream or aerosolgenerating substrate. However, the aerosol-generating substrate has only very limited space to evade to the sides when the divider is present in the stream. Thus, also the additive may be dispensed into the stream of aerosol-generating substrate, when the aerosol-generating substrate as not able to freely move anymore. Thus dislocation of the additive to the wrapper may be prevented.

The steps of dividing and dispensing may be performed simultaneously to the step of conveying. This may enable a continuous production flow. Further, the additive may be dispensed into the aerosol-generating substrate as it is currently conveyed along the divider and building a gap downstream of the divider.

The step of conveying may comprise converging the aerosol-generating substrate. This may build at least a part of the final shape of the aerosol-generating segment. It may provide a half-cylinder in which the divider reaches and divides the aerosol-generating substrate.

The step of conveying may comprise wrapping the wrapper at least partially around the aerosol-generating substrate. This may form a lower half of the final shape of the aerosolgenerating segment. This may form a lower half of a circular cylinder in case the aerosolgenerating segment will be rod-shaped in its final shape.

The wrapper may be wrapped at least for an angle of 90 degrees, preferably of at least 140 degrees around the aerosol-generating substrate. This may provide a lower half of the shape of the final aerosol-generating segment. The step of dividing may be performed when the wrapper is at least partially wrapped around the aerosol-generating substrate. This may provide an outer boundary for the aerosolgenerating substrate so that it may prevented to evade aside when the divider splits the stream.

The step of dispensing may be performed within the converging device. This may provide at least part of the outer shape of the aerosol-generating segment to be formed such that the additive can be added at a well-defined position within the stream.

The additive may predominantly be dispensed around and at a central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating substrate. Thus, the additive may equally spread from a central point into the aerosol-generating substrate depending on the amount of additive that is added.

The aerosol-generating substrate may be conveyed onto the wrapper by a vacuum conveyor. The aerosol-generating substrate may fall from the vacuum conveyor onto the wrapper at the end of the vacuum conveyor or in a region where no vacuum is applied.

Adhesive may be applied to a free end of the wrapper. This may allow to keep the wrapper closed when fully wrapped around the aerosol-generating substrate.

The wrapper may be wrapped around the aerosol-generating substrate to form a rod. This may keep the aerosol-generating substrate stable within the wrapper and may provide a shape preferred by the consumer.

An overlapping area of the wrapper may be heated by a heating element to create an adhesive connection. This may provide a stable cover for the aerosol-generating substrate.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a use of a divider in the form of a blade to apply additive within an aerosol-generating substrate. The blade may have a relatively small width as compared to the width of the stream of aerosol-generating substrate. However, the blade may produce a gap sufficiently broad to centrally insert an additive into the stream of aerosol-generating substrate.

The device according to the first aspect of the invention in any of its embodiments may be used according to the method of the second aspect of the invention in any of its embodiments. The method according to the second aspect of the invention may be performed in any of its embodiments by using the device according to the first aspect of the invention in any of its embodiments. The use of a divider in the form of a blade according to a third aspect of the invention may be performed with the device according to the first aspect of the invention in any of its embodiments or by using method steps from the method according to the second aspect of the invention in any of its embodiments.

The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein. Example Ex1 : Device for producing an aerosol-generating segment of an aerosolgenerating article, comprising: a conveyor device configured to convey a wrapper with aerosol-generating substrate deposited on the wrapper in a conveying direction; a converging device configured to converge the wrapper with the aerosol-generating substrate; wherein the converging device comprises a divider, the divider protruding into the aerosolgenerating substrate to divide the aerosol-generating substrate at least partially; wherein the converging device comprises a dispensing opening to dispense an additive into the aerosol-generating substrate.

Example Ex2: Device according to Example Ex1 , wherein the converging device is adapted to converge the wrapper with the aerosol-generating substrate into a rod.

Example Ex3: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex2, wherein the aerosolgenerating substrate is loose cut filler.

Example Ex4: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex3, wherein the divider is essentially plane, having its main extension in a longitudinal axis of the converging device along the conveying direction and a vertical axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Example Ex5: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex4, wherein the divider extends along the conveying direction with at least locally progressively increasing height along the conveying direction.

Example Ex6: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex5, wherein the divider has its maximum height in the last third of its extension along the conveying direction.

Example Ex7: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex6, wherein the height of the divider increases continuously at least partially along the conveying direction.

Example Ex8: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex7, wherein at least the upstream half of the divider is inclined by an angle of less than 20 degrees with respect to the conveying direction.

Example Ex9: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex8, wherein the divider has a substantially triangular shape.

Example Ex10: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex9, wherein the divider comprises a downstream portion having a lower height than an upstream portion of the divider.

Example Ex11 : Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex10, wherein the height of the divider is constant at least in a portion of the divider.

Example Ex12: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex11 , wherein the divider has a varying width. Example Ex13: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex12, wherein the width of the divider increases at least in a portion of the divider along the conveying direction.

Example Ex14: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex13, wherein the divider is integrally formed with the converging device.

Example Ex15: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex14, wherein the divider has a height of between 2.5 millimeters and 4.5 millimeters.

Example Ex16: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex15, wherein the divider has a height of between 3.0 and 4.0 millimeters.

Example Ex17: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex16, wherein the divider has a height of between 40 % and 70 % of the aerosol-generating segment diameter.

Example Ex18: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex17, wherein the divider has a width of between 1.0 millimeters and 2.0 millimeters.

Example Ex19: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex18, wherein the divider has a width of 1 .5 millimeters.

Example Ex20: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex19, wherein the divider has a width of between 150 % and 400 % of the dispensing opening.

Example Ex21 : Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex20, wherein the divider has a length of between 15 millimeters and 25 millimeters.

Example Ex22: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex21 , wherein the divider is at least partially formed of metal.

Example Ex23: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex22, wherein the divider is coated with a friction reducing material.

Example Ex24: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex23, wherein the divider is arranged along a central lateral position of the converging device.

Example Ex25: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex24, wherein the divider extends at least from an aerosol-generating substrate facing wall of the converging device to one third of the thickness of the aerosol-generating substrate.

Example Ex26: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex25, wherein the divider is arranged at an inlet end of the converging device.

Example Ex27: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex26, wherein the dispensing opening is located within the stream of aerosol-generating substrate.

Example Ex28: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex27, wherein the dispensing opening is located laterally central in the converging device.

Example Ex29: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex28, wherein the dispensing opening is located at the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating segment being formed. Example Ex30: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex29, wherein the dispensing opening is located vertically central in the divider.

Example Ex31 : Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex30, wherein the dispensing opening is located adjacent the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating segment being formed.

Example Ex32: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex31 , wherein a dispensing direction of the additive with respect to the conveying direction is in between - 45 degrees and 45 degrees, preferably in between - 10 degrees and 10 degrees.

Example Ex33: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex32, wherein the dispensing opening is adapted to predominantly dispense the additive in the conveying direction.

Example Ex34: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex33, wherein the dispensing opening is adapted to predominantly dispense the additive perpendicular to the conveying direction.

Example Ex35: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex34, wherein a dispensing direction of the additive with respect to the conveying direction is more than 45 degrees and less than 135 degrees.

Example Ex36: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex35, wherein the dispensing opening has a diameter of between 0.7 millimeters and 1.3 millimeters.

Example Ex37: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex36, wherein the dispensing opening has a diameter of between 0.7 millimeters and 0.9 millimeters.

Example Ex38: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex37, wherein the dispensing opening is provided at a downstream end of the divider.

Example Ex39: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex38, wherein the dispensing opening is provided at a lower side of the divider.

Example Ex40: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex39, wherein the dispensing opening is integrated in the divider.

Example Ex41 : Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex40, wherein the dispensing opening is located adjacent the downstream end of the divider.

Example Ex42: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 1 Ex41 , wherein the dispensing opening is located at the same lateral position as the divider.

Example Ex43: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 1 Ex42, wherein the dispensing opening is flush with the lower side of the divider.

Example Ex44: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 1 Ex43, wherein the dispensing opening is flush with the downstream end of the divider.

Example Ex45: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex44, wherein the lower side of the divider is essentially horizontal. Example Ex46: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex45, wherein the dispensing opening is located with an offset to the lower side of the divider.

Example Ex47: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex46, wherein the dispensing opening is located adjacent to the lower side of the divider.

Example Ex48: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex47, wherein the dispensing opening is located with an offset of between 0.4 millimeters and 0.6 millimeters to the lower side of the divider.

Example Ex49: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex48, wherein the center of the dispensing opening is positioned in a distance of between 0.6 millimeters and 1.0 millimeters from a lateral side of the divider.

Example Ex50: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex49, wherein two or more dispensing openings are arranged on the divider.

Example Ex51 : Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex50, wherein the dispensing opening is provided on a pipe.

Example Ex52: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex51 , wherein the center of the dispensing opening is located with an offset of between 200 % and 400 % of the diameter of the aerosol-generating segment to the lower side of the divider.

Example Ex53: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex52, wherein the pipe is integrally formed or embedded within the divider.

Example Ex54: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex53, wherein the pipe has an end portion extending downstream of the divider.

Example Ex55: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex54, wherein the pipe is arranged adjacent the downstream end of the divider.

Example Ex56: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex55, wherein the pipe has an end portion inclined with respect to the conveying direction.

Example Ex57: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex56, wherein the pipe has an end portion essentially parallel to the conveying direction.

Example Ex58: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex57, wherein the end portion of the pipe is arranged separately of the divider.

Example Ex59: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex58, wherein the end portion of the pipe extends within a longitudinally elongated part of the divider.

Example Ex60: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex59, wherein the outer diameter of the pipe equals the width of the divider.

Example Ex61 : Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex60, wherein the aerosolgenerating substrate facing wall of the converging device is at least partially concave-shaped. Example Ex62: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex61 , wherein a width of the converging device at least partially decreases in the conveying direction.

Example Ex63: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex62, wherein a height of a side wall of the converging device at least partially decreases in the conveying direction.

Example Ex64: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex63, wherein the device further comprises a vacuum conveyor for transporting aerosol-generating substrate from a reservoir onto the wrapper.

Example Ex65: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex64, wherein the device further comprises a supply of wrapper.

Example Ex66: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex65, wherein the device further comprises an adhesive application device for disposing adhesive on a free end of the wrapper.

Example Ex67: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex66, wherein the device further comprises a wrapping device to wrap up the wrapper to form the aerosol-generating segment.

Example Ex68: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex67, wherein the device further comprises a heating element to create an adhesive connection on the overlapping area of the wrapper.

Example Ex69: Device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex68, wherein the device further comprises a cutting device to cut the aerosol-generating segment.

Example Ex70: Method for producing an aerosol-generating segment containing aerosolgenerating substrate, comprising the steps of:

Conveying a wrapper with aerosol-generating substrate disposed on the wrapper along a conveying direction through a converging device; dividing at least partially the aerosol-generating substrate by a divider within the converging device; dispensing an additive into the at least partially divided aerosol-generating substrate.

Example Ex71 : Method according to Example Ex70, wherein the steps of dividing and dispensing are performed simultaneously to the step of conveying.

Example Ex72: Method according to any one of Examples Ex70 to Ex71 , wherein the step of conveying comprises converging the aerosol-generating substrate.

Example Ex73: Method according to any one of Examples Ex70 to Ex72, wherein the step of conveying comprises wrapping the wrapper at least partially around the aerosol-generating substrate. Example Ex74: Method according to any one of Examples Ex70 to Ex74, wherein the wrapper is wrapped at least for an angle of 90 degrees, preferably of at least 140 degrees around the aerosol-generating substrate.

Example Ex75: Method according to any one of Examples Ex70 to Ex74, wherein the step of dividing is performed when the wrapper is at least partially wrapped around the aerosolgenerating substrate.

Example Ex76: Method according to any one of Examples Ex70 to Ex75, wherein the step of dispensing is performed within the converging device.

Example Ex77: Method according to any one of Examples Ex70 to Ex76, wherein the additive is predominantly dispensed around and at a central longitudinal axis of the aerosolgenerating substrate.

Example Ex78: Method according to any one of Examples Ex70 to Ex77, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate is conveyed onto the wrapper by a vacuum conveyor.

Example Ex79: Method according to any one of Examples Ex70 to Ex78, wherein adhesive is applied to a free end of the wrapper.

Example Ex80: Method according to any one of Examples Ex70 to Ex79, wherein the wrapper is wrapped around the aerosol-generating substrate to form a rod.

Example Ex81 : Method according to any one of Examples Ex70 to Ex80, wherein an overlapping area of the wrapper is heated by a heating element to create an adhesive connection.

Example Ex82: Use of a divider in the form of a blade to apply additive within an aerosolgenerating substrate.

Examples will now be further described with reference to the figures.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a device for producing an aerosol-generating segment.

Fig. 2 shows a converging device in a perspective view from below.

Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the device of Fig. 1 .

Fig. 4 shows a perspective side view of a converging device.

Fig. 5 shows a converging device in a view from below.

Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional side view of a converging device, cut along the middle axis as shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the divider of the first embodiment of Figs. 1 to 6.

Fig. 8 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a divider of a second embodiment.

Fig. 9 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a divider of a third embodiment.

Fig. 10 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a divider of a fourth embodiment.

Fig. 11 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a divider of a fifth embodiment. Figure 1 shows a device 1 for producing and aerosol-generating segment 3 of an aerosolgenerating article. The device 1 comprises a conveyor device 5 having an upper belt surface 7 of the belt 9. The upper belt surface 7 conveys a wrapper 11 along a conveying direction 100 through a converging device 13. The wrapper 11 is supplied by a wrapper supply 15 in form of a bobbin. A vacuum conveyor 17 transports at its lower run 19 aerosol-generating substrate 21 by negative pressure from a reservoir onto the wrapper 11 that is supported by the conveyor device 5. The aerosol-generating substrate 21 falls onto the wrapper 11 at a downstream end of the vacuum conveyor 17 where no vacuum is applied anymore. The wrapper 11 with the aerosol-generating substrate 21 deposited thereon is conveyed through the converging device 13 in order to form a rod-shaped aerosol-generating segment 3. The converging device 13 comprises a divider 23 protruding into the stream of aerosol-generating substrate 21 in order to divide the aerosolgenerating substrate 21 to be able to dispense an additive into the inner of the aerosol-generating substrate 21 . The converging device 13 forms together with the conveyor device 5 at least partially a rod-shaped aerosol-generating segment 3. The device 1 further comprises an adhesive application device 25 for disposing an adhesive onto a free end of the wrapper 11 . The adhesive may also be applied onto the wrapper 11 before the wrapper 11 reaches the conveyor device 5. The device 1 further comprises a wrapping device 27 to completely wrap up the wrapper 11 to form the aerosol-generating segment 3. This may include pressing the free end of the wrapper 11 comprising the adhesive on the aerosol-generating segment 3. The device 1 further comprises a heating element 29 to create an adhesive connection on the overlapping area of the wrapper 11 . This may include hardening of adhesive in form of glue in order to establish a stable seam. The device 1 further comprises a cutting device 31 to cut the aerosol-generating segments 3 into rods of a predefined length. The aerosol-generating segment 3 has a diameter 601 at the end of this production process.

Figure 2 shows a converging device 13 in a perspective view from below. The divider 23 is disposed at a lower wall 33 of the converging device 13. The wall 33 faces the aerosol-generating substrate 21. The divider 23 comprises a downstream end 35 where a dispensing opening 37 is located. Additive is dispensed through the dispensing opening 37 into the stream of aerosolgenerating substrate 21. The additive is passed through the outer pipe 39 to a pipe or channel running at least partially through the converging device 13 to the dispensing opening 37. The aerosol-generating substrate 21 flows in the conveying direction 100 and is divided by the divider 23 such that a gap is formed in the aerosol-generating substrate 21 downstream of the downstream end 35 of the divider. The aerosol-generating substrate facing wall 33 of the converging device 13 is at least partially concave-shaped and reduces in width along the conveying direction 100 in order to impose a rod-shape onto the aerosol-generating substrate 21. Additionally, the conveyor 5 provides a corresponding rod-shape to the wrapper 11 and the aerosol-generating substrate 21 from a lower side, as explained in figure 3. Side walls 41 of the converging device 13 guide the aerosol-generating substrate 21 and decrease in height along the conveying direction 100.

The divider 23 further comprises an upstream end 43 and a lower side 45. In the embodiment shown in figure 2, the lower side 45 of the divider 23 has a first part 47 that is inclined with respect to the conveying direction 100 or a central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating segment 3 being formed. Further, the lower side 45 of the divider 23 has a second part 49 that remains parallel to the conveying direction 100, the divider 23 thus having a constant height along second part 49.

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the device 1 of figure 1 cut along the line Ill-Ill in figure 1. The divider 23 divides the stream of aerosol-generating substrate 21. Simultaneously, the converging device 13 shapes the aerosol-generating substrate 21 into rod-shape from an upper side with the inner wall 33 and the inner sides of side walls 41 . The upper belt surface 7 of conveyor device 5 brings the wrapper 11 and the aerosol-generating substrate 21 into a corresponding form of a lower half of a cylinder or rod. The wrapping device 27 closes the rodshaped aerosol-generating segment 3 downstream of the converging device 13 by laying the free ends 51 of the wrapper 11 over each other, wherein at least one free end 51 is provided with an adhesive. The aerosol-generating substrate 21 has a height or thickness 602 measured from the inner wall 33 of the converging device 13 on the upper side to the wrapper 11 lying on the upper belt surface 7 of the conveyor device 5 on the lower side.

Figure 4 shows a perspective side view of a converging device 13. The divider 23 is essentially plane and has its main extension along a longitudinal axis 200 of the converging device 13 and along a vertical axis 300 of the converging device 13. The longitudinal axis 200 is parallel to the conveying direction 100. The vertical axis 300 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 200. The width of the divider 23 extends along a transversal axis 400 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 200 and the vertical axis 300. The longitudinal axis 200 may be the central longitudinal axis of the converging device 13 and may be the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating segment 3 being formed and may be the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating substrate 21.

Figure 5 shows a converging device 13 in a view from below. The divider 23 extends from the upstream end 43 of the divider to the downstream end 35 of the divider in the direction of the longitudinal axis 200 of the converging device 13. The divider has a length 701 along the longitudinal axis 200 and a width 702 along the transversal axis 400. The upstream end 43 of the divider 23 coincides with an upstream end 53 of the converging device 13. The upstream end 53 is the inlet end of the converging device 13. The concave-shaped wall 33 of the converging device 13 extends until the downstream end 55 of the converging device 13. Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional side view of the converging device 13 in the orientation of figure 1 , cut along the middle axis VI-VI as shown in figure 5. An inner pipe 57 is connected with the outer pipe 39 as visible in figure 4 and passes the additive to the dispensing opening 37. The outer, upper structure of the converging device 13 adjacent the outer pipe 39 is omitted in that representation. The inner pipe 57 runs through the divider 23 and the dispensing opening 37 is arranged in the downstream end 35 of the divider 23 facing into the downstream direction.

Figure 7 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the encircled area in figure 6, that is of the divider 23 of the first embodiment according to figures 1 to 6. The divider 23 has a length 701 along the conveying direction 100 and a height 703 measured at the downstream end 35 of the divider 23. The lower side 45 of the divider 23 has a first part 47 that is inclined to the conveying direction 100 thus having increasing height 703 along the conveying direction 100. The lower side 45 of the divider 23 has further a second part 49 that is parallel to the conveying direction 100 thus having constant height 703. The inclined first part 47 of the lower side 45 is inclined with an angle 901 to the conveying direction 100 or the longitudinal axis 200 of the converging device 13, wherein the conveying direction 100 and the longitudinal axis 200 may be horizontal. An end portion 59 of the inner pipe 57 is parallel to the conveying direction 100 and the dispensing opening 37 faces into the downstream direction. The dispensing opening 37 is located with an offset to the second part 49 of the lower side 45.

Figure 8 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a divider 23 of a second embodiment. The pipe 57 and its end portion 59 extend within the divider 23 until the dispensing opening 37, wherein the dispensing opening 37 is located in the lower side 45 of the divider. The pipe 57 is essentially oriented perpendicular to the conveying direction 100. Additive 61 is dispensed perpendicular to the conveying direction 100. Thus, the additive 61 is dispensed in a dispensing direction 800 wherein the dispensing direction 800 is inclined with an angle 902 of essentially 90 degrees with respect to the conveying direction 100. In the embodiments of figures 7 and figures 9 to 11 , the angle 902 is essentially zero degrees. The lower side 45 of the divider 23 comprises an inclined first part 47 and a horizontal second part 49. Additionally, a downstream portion 63 of the divider 23 forms a third part of the lower side 45 of the divider 23. The downstream portion 63 comprises a lower height 703 than the second part 49 of the lower side 45, wherein the second part 49 represents a further upstream portion.

Figure 9 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a divider 23 of a third embodiment. The divider 23 comprises a lower side 45 with a first inclined part 47, a second horizontal part 49 and a downstream portion 63 representing a third part 63. The pipe 57 has an end portion 59 that is elongated in the downstream direction 100. The end portion 59 is surrounded by the downstream portion 63 of the divider 23. The downstream portion 63 is a longitudinally elongated part of the divider 23. The downstream portion 63 has a lower height as compared to the height 703 of the downstream end 35.

Figure 10 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a divider 23 of a fourth embodiment. The pipe 57 is arranged adjacent the downstream end 35 of the divider 23 and comprises an end portion 59 extending downstream of the divider 23. A part of the pipe 57 extends within the converging device 13 in a vertical direction. The end portion 59 extends in a horizontal direction parallel to the conveying direction 100. The dispensing opening 37 faces in the downstream direction.

Figure 11 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a divider 23 of a fifth embodiment. The pipe 57 extends at least partially within the divider 23 or is at least partially formed integrally with the divider 23. Additionally, the pipe 57 has an end portion 59 extending downstream of the divider 23. The end portion 59 extends parallel to the conveying direction 100. In contrast to the embodiment of figure 9, the end portion 59 of the pipe 57 is not surrounded by a downstream portion 63 of the divider 23. As for the third embodiment of figure 9, the dispensing opening 37, respectively a lower side of the end portion 59, has a vertical offset to the lower edge of the second part 49 of the lower side 45. The dispensing opening 37 has a diameter 801. The diameter 801 of the dispensing opening 37 may correspond to the inner diameter of the end portion 59 of the pipe 57. The dispensing opening 37 has a center 802 that is its central axis. The divider has a left and a right lateral side 65 each facing into an opposite direction of the transversal axis 400. The center 802 of the dispensing opening 37 is positioned in a distance to one lateral side 65, as can be seen in figure 2. This distance may be between 0.6 millimeters and 1.0 millimeters. The end portion 59 of the pipe 57 has an outer diameter 803. The outer diameter 803 measured horizontally may be equal to the width 702 of the divider 23. The outer diameter 803 may be equal for the end portion 59 and further portions of the pipe 57.

For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ± 10% of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

Claims

1. Device for producing an aerosol-generating segment of an aerosol-generating article, comprising: a conveyor device configured to convey a wrapper with aerosol-generating substrate deposited on the wrapper in a conveying direction; a converging device configured to converge the wrapper with the aerosol-generating substrate; wherein the converging device comprises a divider, the divider protruding into the aerosolgenerating substrate to divide the aerosol-generating substrate at least partially; wherein the converging device comprises a dispensing opening to dispense an additive into the aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the dispensing opening is provided at a downstream end of the divider.

2. Device according to claim 1 , wherein the divider has a length of between 15 millimeters and 25 millimeters.

3. Device according to any of claims 1 to 2, wherein the dispensing opening has a diameter of between 0.7 millimeters and 1.3 millimeters.

4. Device according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the divider extends along the conveying direction with at least locally progressively increasing height along the conveying direction.

5. Device according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the divider comprises a downstream portion having a lower height than an upstream portion of the divider.

6. Device according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the dispensing opening is integrated in the divider.

7. Device according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the dispensing opening is provided at a lower side of the divider.

8. Device according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the dispensing opening is located with an offset to the lower side of the divider.

9. Device according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the dispensing opening is provided on a pipe.

10. Device according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the pipe has an end portion extending downstream of the divider.

11. Method for producing an aerosol-generating segment containing aerosol-generating substrate, comprising the steps of:

Conveying a wrapper with aerosol-generating substrate disposed on the wrapper along a conveying direction through a converging device; dividing at least partially the aerosol-generating substrate by a divider within the converging device; dispensing an additive into the at least partially divided aerosol-generating substrate by a dispensing opening that is provided at a downstream end of the divider.

12. Method according to claim 11 , wherein the steps of dividing and dispensing are performed simultaneously to the step of conveying.

13. Method according to any of claims 11 to 12, wherein the step of dividing is performed when the wrapper is at least partially wrapped around the aerosol-generating substrate.

14. Use of a divider in the form of a blade to apply additive within an aerosol-generating substrate by a dispensing opening that is provided at a downstream end of the divider.