JP2010517548A - Smoking article manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

  One aspect of the present invention provides a method and apparatus for manufacturing a smoking article. The apparatus includes a conveyor for transporting the tobacco rod (65). Its conveying direction is parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod (65). The apparatus further includes an applicator (72) for adding a liquid additive to the tobacco rod (65) on the conveyor (60). The applicator (72) is configured such that the liquid additive contained within the tobacco rod is distributed in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis that is substantially symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod. Yes. In one aspect, the applicator (72) includes a plurality of dispersion heads (75A, 75B) disposed around the tobacco rod. In another aspect, the applicator (72) includes a ridge (91) for forming a cocoon on the tobacco rod and a dispersion head (92) for dispersing the additive in the cocoon.

Description

  The present invention relates to a smoking article such as a cigarette and a method and apparatus for producing the same.

  It is known to add additives to cigarettes or other smoking articles. Additives can serve various purposes and include, for example, flavoring agents (eg, menthol), adhesives (eg, starch) or some substance to control the burning characteristics of cigarettes.

  C. of Sheffield, UK B. Kaymic & Co manufactures various systems for adding additives to various parts of cigarettes such as filters, wrappers and tobacco (see www.kaymic.co.uk). The Kaymic CSS100 system can be used to apply an adhesive to cigarette paper. International Publication No. WO 2006/010895 (Kaymich) discloses a method of adding an additive to a cigarette filter. The Kaymic UFA100 system is designed to apply flavoring agents such as menthol to various components of cigarettes such as cigarette paper and tobacco streams (rods).

  One known system for adding a flavoring agent to a tobacco rod includes a spray applicator head located adjacent to the passing tobacco rod. Solvent or undiluted flavor is dispersed from the applicator head into a tobacco rod that passes at a constant rate. The applicator head is retracted while the machine is stopped, preventing excess flavoring from being applied to specific parts of the tobacco rod.

  The amount of flavoring agent or other additive applied to the tobacco rod is known as the loading. Actually, there is a limit to the maximum amount of flavoring agent such as menthol to prevent staining. Therefore, when there is too much compounding quantity, excess menthol will accumulate in the paper wrapper of a cigarette, and will form a (yellow) stain. Separately (or in addition), if excessive flavoring or other additives are applied, tannins and other substances ooze out from the tobacco onto the paper wrapper, forming a (brown) stain .

  The presence of such a stain significantly impairs the appearance of the product. The maximum safe menthol formulation to prevent staining is 5-6 mg per cigarette, depending on factors such as humidity and temperature (at higher temperatures and / or humidity, Stain is likely to occur).

  In recent years, the tobacco industry has generally tended to increase the amount of cigarette menthol. The maximum amount that can be added to the tobacco rod itself is limited by the occurrence of stains, so the amount of menthol per cigarette can be separated from the cigarette parts other than the tobacco rod, ie, the filter and / or cigarette paper. There is an option to increase by flavoring. However, this has another disadvantage. For example, it is known to include a menthol-treated foil in a cigarette package. It takes about 14-21 days for menthol to move from such foil to tobacco and / or filters. In this way, it becomes difficult to adjust the stock and manage the production amount.

  Another option is to add menthol to loose tobacco, ie, before forming the tobacco rod. However, adding a flavoring agent to loose tobacco requires large amounts of processing and is therefore not necessarily cost effective, especially for short production runs. Furthermore, adding a flavoring agent to a loose tobacco before the tobacco enters the production device will contaminate the entire production line with the flavoring agent. This is a problem with certain machines, and if it is necessary to switch to another flavor (or not to use a flavor), it will take considerable time and resources to clean the production line .

  In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for manufacturing a smoking article is provided. This device includes a conveyor for tobacco rods, the conveying direction of which is parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rods. The apparatus further includes an applicator for adding a liquid additive such as menthol to the tobacco rod on the conveyor. The applicator is configured such that the liquid additive contained in the tobacco rod is distributed in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis that is substantially symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod. .

  Known applicators disperse additives into the tobacco rod from one side. When dispersed in this manner, the distribution of additives in the tobacco rod becomes asymmetric. On the other hand, by distributing the additive symmetrically in the tobacco rod, the uniformity is improved and it serves to avoid the peak of the additive concentration that can become a stain. This allows more additives to be incorporated (without increasing the likelihood of staining) than can be obtained with known applicators. The ability to incorporate such many additives into the tobacco rod is costly and eliminates the need for (extra) additives to be applied to the filter or package which complicates the manufacturing process.

  In one aspect, the applicator includes a plurality of dispersion heads for applying a liquid additive to the tobacco rod. These dispersing heads have a rotationally symmetric structure about the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod to distribute the desired additive symmetrically to the tobacco rod. For example, a set of dispersion heads may be placed horizontally on opposite sides of the tobacco rod. Other embodiments may include different numbers and / or shapes of heads.

  In one aspect, the applicator includes a cocoon that forms a cocoon in a tobacco rod downstream thereof, and the applicator further includes a head that disperses liquid additive in the tobacco rod. The head is located within the cigarette lash when activated, and the heel extends proximate to the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod. With this configuration, the head can disperse the liquid additive more deeply in the tobacco rod and serves to reduce the possibility of staining on the surface of the tobacco rod. Furthermore, by dispersing from the center of the tobacco rod, the liquid can be more uniformly distributed in the tobacco rod.

  In one aspect, the heel is fixed. Such scissors usually have a pointed head that is pointed upstream toward the approaching tobacco rod. This allows a cocoon to break into the approaching tobacco stream and open the cocoon without completely breaking the tobacco rod. In another aspect, the kite may be rotary, for example in the form of a cutting wheel that extends into the tobacco rod, where the axis of rotation of the cutting wheel is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod. become. The cutting wheel may rotate to move at substantially the same linear velocity as the tobacco rod.

  In one aspect, the heel and head are arranged to enter the tobacco rod from above. However, other configurations are possible, for example where the heel and head enter the tobacco rod from below or from the side.

  In one aspect, each head of the applicator is configured to retract from the tobacco rod when the conveyor stops. This serves to reduce the risk of excess additive being dispersed within a specific location on the stationary tobacco rod.

  Another aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for producing a smoking article, the apparatus comprising a bearer for transporting the tobacco rod in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod, and tobacco on the conveyor. And an applicator for adding a liquid additive to the rod. The applicator has a plurality of heads that simultaneously disperse the liquid additive on the tobacco rod. Of course, such a device has the same specific features as described for the above-described aspects as well.

  Another aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for producing a smoking article, the apparatus comprising a bearer for transporting the tobacco rod in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod, and tobacco on the conveyor. And an applicator for adding a liquid additive to the rod. The applicator includes a cocoon for forming a cocoon on a tobacco rod that has progressed downstream, and a head that disperses a liquid additive in the tobacco rod. This head is arranged so as to be located in the cage of the tobacco rod. Again, it should be understood that this device has the same specific features as described for the above embodiments.

  Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a smoking article, the method comprising transporting a tobacco rod in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod, and providing a liquid to the tobacco rod being transported. Adding the additive with an applicator, wherein the liquid additive contained in the tobacco rod is distributed in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis substantially symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod. .

  Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a smoking article, the method comprising transporting a tobacco rod in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod, and providing a liquid to the tobacco rod being transported. Adding the additive with an applicator, the applicator having a plurality of heads for simultaneously dispersing the liquid additive within the tobacco rod.

  Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a smoking article, the method comprising transporting a tobacco rod in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod, and scissoring the tobacco rod downstream of the scissors. And adding a liquid additive to the tobacco rod being conveyed by forming an applicator, and dispersing the liquid additive from the head into the tobacco rod. The head is disposed so as to be located in the tub of the tobacco rod.

  It will be appreciated that the various methods of the present invention have the same specific features as the apparatus aspect of the present invention.

  Another aspect of the invention provides a smoking article, such as a cigarette, cigar or cigarillo, produced by the method and apparatus described above.

  The proposals described here allow for the incorporation of large amounts of flavoring agents or other additives, thus eliminating the need to add flavoring agents to the filter and / or package, saving time and resources. This simplifies processing, improves quality (because flavoring is added in only one step of the process), simplifies cleaning, and reduces the amount of material processed. It also saves waste.

  Various aspects of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic plan view of a cigarette manufacturing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the cigarette making apparatus of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1 schematically illustrates head positions in the manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 1 according to various aspects of the present invention. 1 schematically illustrates head positions in the manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 1 according to various aspects of the present invention. 1 schematically illustrates head positions in the manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 1 according to various aspects of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of a cigarette manufacturing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the cigarette making apparatus of FIG. 4 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 5 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 5 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 5 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 5 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view (not to scale) of a cigarette manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus includes a hopper 40 that supplies tobacco in a loose manner to a tobacco rod (or tobacco stream) 65 formed by a suction belt 60. The tobacco in the stream 65 when being conveyed by the vacuum action of the suction belt 60 flows in the direction indicated by the arrow A in FIG.

  The tobacco rod 65 is trimmed by a set of ecreteur discs 70. Therefore, the tobacco rod 65 that has passed through the ektor disk is slightly smaller than when it entered the ektor disk. After passing through the equator disc 70, the tobacco rod 65 reaches the flavor additive 72. Flavor adder 72 may be located in a suction chamber (not shown) of a conventional cigarette manufacturing system. Thereafter, the tobacco rod 65 to which a flavoring agent such as menthol is added proceeds into the garniture region 80, where the tobacco rod is cut and a filter is attached for subsequent packaging.

  What should be noted here is that by placing the flavor additive at this position in the production line, it is possible to prevent the upstream apparatus (such as the equator disk 70) from being contaminated with the flavor. This allows the production line to be easily switched to produce a cigarette with a different flavor (or no flavor) added, since substantially no equipment on the production line has to be cleaned, and This is because it is not necessary to make adjustments to make such changes. Furthermore, waste can be reduced by adding flavoring at a relatively slow manufacturing stage (compared to adding flavoring to loose tobacco, because in a typical manufacturing process a certain percentage of loose tobacco is used. Because they are all consumed, but not all of them are finished products).

  In contrast to current systems for adding flavor, the flavor adder 72 includes a set of heads 75A, 75B disposed on either side of the tobacco rod 65. In one aspect, the two heads are substantially conical (or needle shaped).

  These two heads 75A, 75B are used to atomize the flavorant sprayed into the tobacco rod from both of these heads. The two heads 75A and 75B are supplied with a fluid-like flavor formed from a reservoir (not shown in FIG. 1). In one aspect, each head is provided with its own reservoir (which needs to be replenished separately). Alternatively, both heads may share one reservoir for flavor fluid. In one embodiment, the two heads may be heated slightly to help disperse the flavor (whether this heating is employed depends on the characteristics of the particular flavor used).

  The amount of flavor released from the head is adjusted in relation to the speed of the conveyor 60. That is, when the conveyor moves faster, more is jetted from the heads 75A and 75B, and when the conveyor moves slower, a small amount of flavorant is jetted. This makes it easier to supply a certain amount of menthol to the tobacco rod 65 having a predetermined weight or length. In one aspect, the heads 75A, 75B can be retracted and can be pulled up from the tobacco rod 65 when the tobacco rod 65 stops, for example because the suction belt is switched.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the heads 75 </ b> A and 75 </ b> B are each slightly inserted into the tobacco rod 65. Thus, it can be directly injected into the cigarette. The inserted distance is substantially less than the radius of the tobacco rod 65 (to prevent the tobacco rod 65 from splitting and collapsing).

  FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view (not to scale) of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. This cross section is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod 65, ie the plane of FIG. 2 is perpendicular to the arrow A in FIG. Although the tobacco rod 65 is shown in FIG. 2 as having a substantially square cross section, in other embodiments the cross section may be round, rectangular, depending on how the tobacco rod is formed and trimmed. It may be oval or other suitable shape.

  FIG. 2 also shows the two heads 75A, 75B of the flavor additive 72. In these two heads, the flavoring agent added to the tobacco rod 65 from the reservoir 120 is supplied by gravity. In some aspects, the supply to the heads may be powered (by a suitably shaped pump) and / or each head may be provided with a separate reservoir as described above.

  An approximate injection shape of the flavorant from the head 75A into the tobacco rod 65 is indicated by a shaded area 110A in FIG. Similarly, an approximate injection shape of the flavorant from the head 75B into the tobacco rod 65 is indicated by a shaded area 110B in FIG. It should be noted here that the flavor dispersion is substantially symmetric about the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod 65, indicated by the "+" sign labeled 115 in FIG. . This reflects that the heads 75A, 75B are substantially symmetric about the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod 65 as well.

  The head configuration of FIG. 2 allows for a more uniform flavor distribution across the cross section of the tobacco rod 65 (with known devices using one head for adding flavor to the tobacco rod 65; Compared to). As a result, it becomes possible to provide a flavoring agent such as menthol in the tobacco rod 65 without increasing the risk of staining at a high concentration. This is because the stain is most likely to occur in the region with the highest concentration. However, by distributing the flavoring agent more uniformly (and more symmetrically) in the tobacco rod 65 (compared to conventional devices), the total amount of flavoring agent in the tobacco rod 65 can be reduced to a specific amount. Since it can be increased without increasing the maximum density at a location, the possibility of stains can be suppressed.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the two heads 75 </ b> A and 75 </ b> B are arranged parallel to the center of the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod 65. It should be noted here that in this embodiment, the gravitational effect of the flavorant dispersion region 110 is the same for both heads 75A, 75B, and can assist in uniformity and symmetry. In other embodiments, a somewhat differently configured head may be used. For example, the head may be offset above or below the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod 65, or rotated from a horizontal position, for example, one head pointing upward from below the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod 65. Alternatively, one head may be directed downward from above the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod 65.

  In another aspect, three or more heads for injecting the flavoring agent into the tobacco rod 65 may be provided. 3A-3C show various variations of such an embodiment. In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, a downwardly directed third head 75C located on the tobacco rod 65 is added to the two horizontally oriented heads 75A, 75B from the embodiment of FIG. In the embodiment of FIG. 3B, three heads are provided. In this embodiment, the two heads 75A and 75B on both sides of the tobacco rod 65 are moved downward and rotated in a slightly upward direction. This is a configuration having rotational symmetry (degree 3) about the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod. In the embodiment of FIG. 3C, the two horizontally oriented heads 75A, 75B from the embodiment of FIG. 2 are positioned below the tobacco rod 65 with a third head 75C directed downwardly located on the tobacco rod 65. A fourth head 75 directed upward is added. The configuration of FIG. 3C is a configuration having rotational symmetry (of order 4) about the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod.

  In certain embodiments, different heads may be used to disperse different additives in the tobacco rod 65. For example, the heads 75A and 75B configured as shown in FIG. 3C may disperse one additive in the tobacco rod 65, and the heads 75C and 75D may simultaneously disperse the second additive in the tobacco rod 65. Also, in some embodiments, these multiple additives may interact or combine with each other. For example, one additive may be a binder that allows a second additive, such as a flavoring agent, to adhere to tobacco.

  The addition of the head 75 to the flavor adder 72 can improve the uniformity and symmetry of the distribution of the flavor provided in the tobacco rod 65 (a set of heads shown in the embodiment of FIG. Compared to). Therefore, a large amount of flavoring agent can be blended without (significantly) increasing the possibility of staining. On the other hand, adding the head 75 to the flavoring agent adder 72 complicates the flavoring agent adder 72 and increases the cost.

  FIG. 4 illustrates a smoking article manufacturing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention. The members of this embodiment are the same as those in FIG. 1 except for those related to the flavor additive 72. Thus, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the flavor adder includes a single spray head 92 for dispersing the liquid additive within the tobacco rod 65. The head 92 is substantially the same as the heads 75A and 75B described in the embodiment of FIG. In another aspect, the head 92 may be an injection needle (rather than a spray spray). The head 92 may be connected to a suitable reservoir of liquid additive.

  The flavor adder of FIG. 4 also includes a trough 91 located upstream of the head 92. It should be noted here that in some embodiments, the collar 91 and the head 92 may be formed as a single unit. The reed 91 forms a reed in the tobacco stream that has passed through it. The head 92 is located in a ridge (slip stream) formed by the ridge 91.

  FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the operation of the collar 91 and the head 92 according to one aspect of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows the tobacco rod 65 moving in the direction of arrow A past the ridge 91. The cocoon forms a cocoon or gap 210 in the tobacco rod that extends downstream of the cocoon. It should be noted here that the kite 210 gradually narrows as it travels downstream of the kite due to the natural power and pressure within the tobacco rod 65. Eventually, the heel closes (at the point indicated by 211 in FIG. 5) and the tobacco stream 65 substantially returns to its original shape.

  The head 92 is located in the ridge formed by the ridge. As described in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the head 92 (and also the basket 91 in some cases) has a structure that is pulled up from the tobacco flow when the flow of tobacco by the conveyor 60 stops.

  With the configuration of FIG. 5, the head penetrates deeper into the tobacco stream than the embodiment of FIG. This allows the head 92 to disperse liquid additives into the tobacco stream from near the center of the tobacco stream. Therefore, the liquid additive can be distributed more uniformly (rotationally symmetric) in the tobacco rod 65. Therefore, more additives can be blended into the tobacco rod without increasing the risk of stain generation. In addition, since the additive is injected closer to the center of the tobacco rod, an excessive concentration of additive is more likely to appear on the surface of the tobacco rod than it will seep to the surface (it will appear as a visible stain). It becomes easy to be included in.

  6A-6D are schematic cross-sectional views of tobacco rods 65 corresponding to arrows C1-C4 in FIG. 5, respectively, according to one aspect of the present invention. That is, when a predetermined portion of the tobacco rod 65 moves along the conveyor 60, it continuously passes through the steps of FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D. It should be noted here that in FIGS. 6A-6D, the tobacco rod 65 has a substantially rectangular cross-section, but in other embodiments may have a different cross-sectional shape, such as a circle, an ellipse, or the like.

  FIG. 6A illustrates an upstream portion of a ridge 91 according to one aspect of the present invention. Since this portion of the cocoon is relatively narrow and relatively shallow, the tobacco rod 65 can be cut and opened to form the cocoon 210. FIG. 6B illustrates a further downstream portion of the ridge 91 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The portion of the ridge 91 is wider and longer than FIG. 6A, so that the width of the ridge 210 can be increased and deepened. The streamlined structure of the ridge 91 that is small in the front and large in the back can minimize collapse (other than opening the tub 210) into the tobacco stream 65 that flows through the tub. It should be noted here that the deepest part of the jar 210 shown in FIG. 6B extends near the center of the tobacco rod 65.

  FIG. 6C illustrates the operation of the head 92 within the jar 210 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. As a general trend of the cocoon 210, the cigarette is closed as it goes downstream of the cocoon 91, so that the cocoon 210 of FIG. 6C is narrower than that shown in FIG. ). Still, the jar 210 of FIG. 6C has a width and depth sufficient to accommodate the head 92, so that the liquid can be dispersed from the reservoir 120 inside the tobacco rod 65.

  In one aspect, the head 92 disperses liquid into the tobacco rod 65 from a tip located at or near the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod 65. As a result, the additive can be distributed in a form almost similar to the distribution shown in FIG. 6C. From this figure, it can be seen that since the injection point from the head 92 is located in the center, the additive is concentrated in the central portion of the tobacco rod 65 away from the surface of the tobacco rod. This helps to minimize stains caused by excess additives adjacent to the surface of the cigarette.

  The central injection point from the head 92 allows the additive to be distributed more evenly (or rotationally symmetric) within the tobacco rod 65 by being centrally located. Moreover, since there is little possibility of the concentration of the additive formed in the specific area leading to the stain, it becomes possible to mix a large amount of the additive in the tobacco rod (known to inject the additive from one side) Compared with the device).

  In some embodiments, the head 92 itself slightly enters the tobacco rod (ie, beyond the bottom of the jar 210) as in the situation shown in FIG. This penetration of the head promotes the dispersion of the additive into the tobacco (and also prevents the dispersion of the additive into the tub 210 which is relatively easy to move to the surface of the tobacco rod 65). .

  The dispersion angle from the head 92 is quite wide (compared to the narrow dispersion angle from the heads 75A and 75B shown in FIG. 2). For example, the dispersion from the heads 75A and 75B is conical with a (half) angle of 30 °, for example, in the range of 20 to 65 °. On the other hand, the cone (half) angle from the head 92 may be greater than 120 ° and close to 180 ° (depending on the size and shape of the head 92 itself and the collar 210). The dispersion angle and shape from the heads 75A, 75B and 92 can also be adjusted by appropriately designing the head (considering that the tobacco rod passing through the head moves in the longitudinal direction, the dispersion shape is conical. May not need to be).

  In some embodiments, the angle of dispersion from the head 92 may be relatively small, for example, a cone half angle of 50 ° or less, 30 ° or less, or 15 ° or less. The relatively narrow (limited) output from the head 92 is particularly suitable when the additive needs to be substantially confined to the center of the tobacco rod. In this case, the radius of the portion of the tobacco rod containing the additive is small compared to the radius of the tobacco rod, for example 50%, 30% or 15% of the radius of the tobacco rod. The limited construction with the flavourant located substantially along the central longitudinal axis of this tobacco rod can maintain a considerable gap between the flavourant and the outer surface of the cigarette, preventing staining Can do.

  FIG. 6D shows the tobacco rod downstream of the head 92. When in this position, the jar 210 begins to close due to natural movement within the tobacco rod as the tobacco rod is pulled along the conveyor. In general, the closure of the wrinkles in this way can increase the uniformity and symmetry of the additive distribution 220 within the tobacco rod 65.

  In the particular embodiment of FIG. 4, ridge 91 and head 92 are shown entering the tobacco rod from the side. However, the ridge 91 and the head 92 may enter the tobacco rod from the bottom or top. Entering from the top reduces the collapse of the tobacco rod (apart from the formation of the jar 210).

  4-6 illustrate a stationary scissor, but in other embodiments a rotational scissor can be used. The axis of rotation of such a kite is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the tobacco rod 65 flows. In this case, the operation of the scissors is considered somewhat similar to the cutting of the tobacco rod 65 with a circular saw. In one particular aspect, the rotational speed of the heel cutting wheel is synchronized with the movement of the tobacco rod and the linear speed of the wheel edge is the same or similar to the speed of movement of the tobacco stream. This eliminates relative movement between the wheel and the tobacco rod at the cutting point and prevents damage to the tobacco stream.

  The various embodiments described herein can be used to disperse a wide range of additives such as flavors such as menthol, binders or adhesives. The additive can be used in any suitable form such as a solution or undiluted state. The shape of the head used to disperse the additive (eg, spray, needle, etc.) will depend on the specific properties of the desired additive. Similarly, in some cases, the head may need to be heated to successfully disperse the additive (eg, when the additive is viscous at room temperature).

  Finally, those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations or modifications to the embodiments described so far are possible. For example, although the manufacture of cigarettes has been described herein, it is applicable to other tobacco products such as cigars. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (42)

A conveyor (60) for conveying the tobacco rod in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod (65);
An applicator (72) for adding a liquid additive of tobacco rod on the conveyor;
The applicator includes a plurality of dispersion heads (75A, 75B) for adding a liquid additive to the tobacco rod, the plurality of dispersion heads being arranged symmetrically about the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod Smoking product manufacturing equipment.   The applicator is configured such that the liquid additive contained in the tobacco rod is distributed in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis substantially symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod. The apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that:   3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of dispersion heads have a rotationally symmetric structure about a central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod.   4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the applicator includes a set of dispersive heads disposed on opposite sides of the tobacco rod.   5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the set of dispersive heads are disposed horizontally with respect to the tobacco rod.   6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the heads is pierced into a tobacco rod.   7. A device according to claim 6, wherein the distance of the head pierced into the tobacco rod is smaller than the cross-sectional dimension of the tobacco rod.   8. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a liquid additive reservoir (120) is provided for each of the heads to add to its own tobacco rod.   The applicator includes a reed (91), the reed forming a reed (210) on a tobacco rod downstream thereof, wherein one of the heads is arranged to be located within the reed of the tobacco rod. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.   The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the ridge formed by the ridge extends proximate to a central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod.   11. An apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the heel is stationary.   11. A device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the scissors are rotary.   13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the linear velocity of the heel edge is approximately equal to the velocity of the tobacco rod being conveyed.   14. An apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the head is located adjacent to the bottom of the ridge for dispersing the liquid additive.   15. A device according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that both the hook and the head are located so as to enter the tobacco rod from above.   16. A device according to any one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that the additive is limitedly distributed in the central region of the tobacco rod, the radius of the central region being smaller than the radius of the tobacco rod.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of heads simultaneously disperse the liquid additive in the tobacco rod.   The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein each head of the applicator is configured to retract when the conveyor stops.   19. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveyor includes a suction belt.   20. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid additive comprises menthol. Conveying the tobacco rod (65) parallel to its central longitudinal axis;
Adding a liquid additive to the tobacco rod being conveyed, and
The liquid additive is added to the tobacco rod by a plurality of dispersion heads (75A, 75B), and the plurality of dispersion heads are arranged to be symmetric about the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod. A method for producing a characteristic smoking article.   The liquid additive is added into the tobacco rod being transported, and the liquid additive contained in the tobacco rod is transverse to the longitudinal axis substantially symmetric about the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod. The method of claim 21, wherein the method is distributed over a surface.   23. A method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the plurality of dispersion heads have a rotationally symmetric structure about a central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod.   24. A method according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the plurality of dispersion heads comprises a set of dispersion heads disposed on opposite sides of the tobacco rod.   25. The method of claim 24, wherein the set of dispersion heads are positioned horizontally with respect to the tobacco rod.   26. A method according to any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein each of the heads is pierced into a tobacco rod.   27. The method of claim 26, wherein the distance of the head that pierces into the tobacco rod is less than the cross-sectional dimension of the tobacco rod.   28. A method as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein a reservoir of liquid additive is provided for each of the heads to add to its own tobacco rod. Forming a cocoon on the tobacco rod downstream of the cocoon,
Further dispersing a liquid additive in the tobacco rod with one of the heads,
29. A device according to any one of claims 21 to 28, characterized in that the head is positioned so as to be located in the cage of a tobacco rod.   30. The method of claim 29, wherein the ridge formed by the ridge extends proximate to a central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod.   31. A method according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the heel is stationary.   31. A method according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the scissors are rotary.   33. A method according to claim 32, wherein the linear velocity of the heel edge is approximately equal to the velocity of the tobacco rod being conveyed.   34. A method according to any one of claims 29 to 33, further comprising the step of placing the head adjacent to the bottom of the ridge for dispersing the liquid additive.   35. A method according to any one of claims 29 to 34, further comprising the step of positioning the ridge and the head so as to enter from above the tobacco rod.   36. A method according to any one of claims 29 to 35, wherein the additive is limitedly distributed in the central region of the tobacco rod, the radius of the central region being smaller than the radius of the tobacco rod.   37. A method according to any one of claims 21 to 36, wherein the plurality of heads simultaneously disperse liquid additive within the tobacco rod.   38. A method according to any one of claims 21 to 37, further comprising the step of retracting each head of the applicator when the conveyor stops.   The apparatus according to any one of claims 21 to 38, wherein the conveyance is performed by a suction belt.   40. Apparatus according to any one of claims 21 to 39, wherein the liquid additive comprises menthol.   41. A smoking article produced by the method according to any one of claims 21 to 40.   21. A smoking article produced by the apparatus of any one of claims 1-20.

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