WO2016097100A1

WO2016097100A1 - Apparatus and method for making filters

Info

Publication number: WO2016097100A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/080156
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marco Matteucci; Raffaele Stefano NAPOLITANO
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
Priority date: 2014-12-18
Filing date: 2015-12-17
Publication date: 2016-06-23
Also published as: KR102589440B1; EP3232829A1; BR112017010427A2; RU2017125369A; JP6711831B2; JP2018500018A; CN106998794A; HUE043728T2; RU2017125369A3; PL3232829T3; RU2690381C2; CN106998794B; EP3232829B1; KR20170094149A; BR112017010427B1

Abstract

The apparatus and method for making filters comprises a filter material converging device, a thread positioning device for positioning a continuous thread in the filter material and a liquid introduction device for introducing a liquid into the filter material. The thread positioning device is arranged above the converging device such that an outlet opening of the thread positioning device is arrangeable within the converging device. The liquid introduction device is arranged below the converging device such that an outlet opening of the liquid introduction device is arrangeable within the converging device. The outlet opening of the liquid introduction device is arranged upstream of the outlet opening of the thread positioning device.

Description

Apparatus and method for making filters

The invention relates to an apparatus and method for making filters. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for making filters with a continuous thread of material and a liquid located in the filter for use in the production of smoking articles.

Filter making apparatuses are known, where a flavor carrying thread is introduced into a filter tow. For example in the European patent application EP-A-2 110 031 a liquid is added to a thread and subsequently inserted into the filter tow. If the filter making machine is stopped, the thread is soaked with liquid. The liquid may not be held by the thread and may run along the thread and unintendedly stain the filter material with liquid.

Therefore, there is a need for a filter making machine and a method for making filters, wherein soaking of the filter tow with liquid may be prevented.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for making filters. The apparatus comprises a filter material converging device and a thread positioning device for positioning a continuous thread in the filter material. The apparatus further comprises a liquid introduction device for introducing a liquid into the filter material. The thread positioning device is arranged above the converging device such that an outlet opening of the thread positioning device is arrangeable within the converging device. The liquid introduction device is arranged below the converging device such that an outlet opening of the liquid introduction device is arrangeable within the converging device. Therein, the outlet opening of the liquid introduction device is arranged upstream of the outlet opening of the thread positioning device.

By providing a thread positioning device for positioning a thread in the filter material and a separate liquid introduction device for introducing a liquid into the filter material, thread insertion and liquid introduction may advantageously be independently controlled. In particular, according to the invention, liquid introduction into the filter material may be controlled independently from the presence or absence of a thread or other additional absorption material. Additionally, even where a thread or other absorption material is present, the amount of liquid introduced into the filter material may be independent of the absorption ability of a thread or other absorption material. In prior art systems, the liquid that is provided to the filter material is absorbed by the material of the thread or adheres to the thread or a combination of both. However, if a highly fibrous material of a thread shall be used, such material may be strongly imbued by liquid and allows higher amount of liquid to be transported and introduced into the filter material. However, such thread material is prone to be soaked with liquid. If a filter making machine is stopped, liquid may not be held by the thread and may run along the thread and imbue the filter material with liquid. Advantageously, this disadvantage is overcome according to the invention by introducing a liquid independently from a thread .

In the apparatus according to the invention, the liquid is introduced into the filter material upstream of the position where the thread is introduced into the filter material. By this, the liquid may be introduced into the filter material (only) and at a position where the filter material still forms a rather loose strand. Both measures facilitate a distribution of the liquid in the filter material. Preferably, filter material is a filter tow, such as for example cellulose acetate tow.

By separating a thread and liquid insertion standard thread insertion devices, preferably requiring low maintenance, may be used.

Advantageously, the liquid is introduced into the filter material using injection means. By this, the liquid is actively injected into the filter material. Thus a time period the liquid is introduced and an amount of injected liquid may be controlled and varied. Injection means are for example pressurized gas or a pump.

The liquid as used in the present invention may be a liquid as such but may for example also be a suspension. Preferably, the liquid is a flavourant, for example menthol flavour. The liquid may also be a colourant or another additive altering a gas stream passing through the filter provided with the liquid.

The thread may be a thread as known in the production of filters for smoking articles. The thread may by untreated thread or may be coated or preimpregnated, for example, with colourant or flavorant or both, colourant and flavorant. The thread may especially be a thread with high fiber content, such as for example paper thread. A thread positioning device may for example be a device as described in European patent application EP-A-2 110 031, wherein the strand of flavor material is replaced by a continuous thread according to the invention

A filter material converging device funnels the filter material into a rod form. A converging device may comprise several parts, such as for example an actual rod forming device, a transport jet and an air funnel. The rod forming device may be a garniture tongue, which guides the filter material in the final stage before it forms a rod at the outlet of the rod forming device. Filter material such as cellulose acetate tow may be drawn from a bale. The filter material may be bloomed, for example, where the filter material is cellulose acetate tow. Alternatively, where the filter material is a flat web material, for example a paper or plastic web, such as polylactic acid, the filter material may be first crimped to allow transversal gathering of the web. Then, the filter material is converged in a transport jet and is fluffed by the injection of compressed air supplied to the transport jet. After the filter material has passed the transport jet, the fluffed filter tow material is further converged by the air funnel before entering the rod forming device.

The continuous thread is preferably positioned in the filter material in the rod forming device. Liquid introduction preferably takes place in the rod forming device as well - however upstream of the positioning of the thread - or in a downstream region of the air funnel. In these positions, the filter material has not yet converged to a dense rod, which facilitates a liquid distribution in the filter material. Preferably, an outlet opening of the thread positioning device is arranged within the converging device. Preferably, an outlet opening of the liquid introduction device is arranged within the converging device. By arranging the outlet openings in the converging device, a central positioning of the thread or central injection of the liquid into the filter material may be achieved.

According to an aspect of the apparatus according to the invention, a passageway for guiding the liquid in the liquid introduction device is arranged substantially parallel to a moving direction of the filter material in the converging device. Preferably, the parallel arrangement of passageway for liquid introduction and moving direction of filter material is provided at least at the point of introduction of the liquid. Advantageously, this point of introduction is arranged in an upstream half of the filter material converging device, preferably in an upstream portion of a rod forming device or upstream of the rod forming device. Preferably, an injection point or an outlet opening of the passageway of the liquid introduction device, respectively, is arranged centrally in the filter material. A parallel arrangement allows for a very centralized introduction and distribution of the liquid into and within the filter material. Advantageously, this allows for a homogeneous distribution of the liquid in the filter material. In addition, a parallel arrangement of passageway and moving direction of filter material may reduce friction and wear between filter material and introduction device. For example, the filter material passes a downstream region of the introduction device, for example a tip region of a hollow needle the passageway is arranged in. Thus, advantageously the parallel arrangement reduces an undesired alteration of the structure of the filter material that may otherwise be created by the presence of the liquid introduction device.

In addition, a parallel arrangement may facilitate incorporation of the liquid introduction device, or of parts thereof, into the filter material converging device. Thus, manufacture and assembly of the apparatus may be simplified.

In a preferred variant of a parallel arrangement, the passageway for guiding the liquid in the liquid introduction device is arranged in a substantially horizontal manner, while the filter material is moved in a horizontal manner as well, at least along downstream portions of the converging device .

Generally, a horizontal arrangement of the passageway in the liquid introduction device may prevent a liquid from flowing to the filter material upon gravitational force only, for example where the filter making machine is shut off.

According to another aspect of the apparatus according to the invention, the passageway for guiding the liquid in the liquid introduction device is arranged at an angle with respect to a horizontal plane. This is, the passageway is tilted from the horizontal plane to below the horizontal plane by an angle larger than 0 degree. Preferably, the introduction angle is such that an introduction direction of the liquid is still substantially directed into the moving direction of the filter material. Preferably, a tilt angle by which the passageway is tilted from the horizontal plane is in a range between 1 degree and 30 degree, for example in a range between 3 degree and 20 degree, such as 5 degree to 10 degree. In preferred embodiments, the moving direction of the filter material is also arranged in a horizontal plane. Then, the tilt angle may substantially correspond to the introduction angle.

If the passageway is at least partially arranged in a tilted manner with respect to a horizontal plane, liquid left in the passageway may flow back into the liquid introduction device when not forced out of the liquid introduction device, for example by injection means. This may be favorable at production or process stages, when no liquid shall be introduced into the filter material. This may, for example, be the case when a passing of filter material through the apparatus has been interrupted or if a filter product to be manufactured shall not contain this liquid. According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus further comprises an adaptor for rigidly connecting the liquid introduction device to a liquid applicator device and for forming a liquid connection between liquid introduction device and liquid applicator device.

The adaptor is connectable via an adaptor outlet to the liquid introduction device and via an adaptor inlet to the liquid applicator device. The adaptor comprises two parts, wherein the two parts are detachably connected to each other in a manner such that the rigid connection between the liquid introduction device and the applicator device may be disconnected without opening a liquid connection between the liquid applicator device to the liquid introduction device to environmental influences. Preferably, one part of the two parts of the adaptor comprises the adaptor inlet and the other part of the two parts comprises the adaptor outlet.

A liquid conduit of the applicator device is connectable to the adaptor such as to provide a liquid connection between the applicator device and the liquid introduction device within the applicator device. The liquid conduit forming at least a portion of the liquid connection is thus protected against environmental influences by a housing of the adaptor. A liquid conduit may, for example, be a flexible tube such as a plastic tube. The liquid conduit is, in particular, protected by the adaptor from external mechanical influences. Such mechanical influences may loosen or damage a liquid conduit, in particular a plastics tube. In addition, with the liquid conduit being arranged within the adaptor, the conduit may be thermally isolated by the adaptor housing. This is in particular favourable when transporting liquids in the liquid conduit that tend to crystallize if not kept at a minimum temperature. In some embodiments, a substance, for example a flavourant or colourant in particle form, is liquefied in the applicator device and transported via a tube system to the liquid introduction device or directly into the filter tow. After leaving the adaptor device, the liquid in a tube may cool down such that the liquid crystallizes in the tube. By this, a flow volume of liquid may be reduced or the flow of the liquid may even get blocked. In addition, small crystals may be introduced into the filter tow, not allowing for an even distribution of the substance in the filter tow.

These disadvantages may be prevented or its negative effects reduced by the provision of an adaptor as described in this application.

The detachable adaptor also allows for an inspection of the liquid conduit without having to detach the liquid connection between applicator device and liquid introduction device. Therefore, the liquid conduit provides for a certain extension. Preferably, such an extension is a tube, which may be extended by straightening the tube.

Also maintenance of the liquid conduit or of connections between internal parts of the adaptor is made possible or facilitated by the provision of the adaptor as described herein. For example the tube or a tube-adaptor interface may be optically inspected upon disconnection of the two parts of the adaptor.

Preferably, a detachable connection between the two parts of the adaptor is a mechanical connection, for example, a form-fit connection or a force-fit connection or a combination of a form-fit connection and a force-fit connection. Preferably, a detachable connection may be temporarily locked and released again by a mutual rotational movement of the two parts. A detachable connection may for example be a bayonet fitting, screw fitting or similar. According to a further aspect of the apparatus according to the invention, the passageway for guiding the liquid is at least partially arranged in the filter material converging device. By this, an introduction of the liquid into the moving direction of the filter material, especially exactly into the moving direction of the filter material, is facilitated. Preferably, the passageway for guiding the liquid is arranged coaxially to the moving direction of the filter material or to a rod forming device, respectively. Also a positioning of the liquid in the filter material, preferably in the center region of the filter material, is facilitated. According to this aspect of the invention, the filter material converging device and liquid introduction device may be manufactured as a unit. This may facilitate a quick installation of devices according to the invention.

If the passageway is arranged in an upstream region of the converging device, for example in an air funnel, air provided to the filter material in a transport jet may support a smooth guiding of the filter material along and possibly also around the incorporated passageway.

According to another aspect of the apparatus according to the invention, the liquid introduction device further comprises a gas inlet for introducing the liquid into the filter material via a gas jet. A gas jet, for example provided by a compressed gas source, is a cost efficient and convenient way of transporting a liquid through the liquid introduction device and into the filter material. By selecting duration or force of the gas jet, introduction of the liquid may be influenced and varied. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises synchronization means, for example a gas jet or other injection means, for synchronizing the liquid introduction with the transport speed of the filter material. By providing synchronization means, a liquid injection may be synchronized with the presence or absence of filter material passing through the converging device. However, synchronization means also allow for a pulsing of the liquid to be injected. By this, an amount of liquid to be injected may for example be varied by varying a pulse duration. By pulsing the liquid injection, also zones of filter material containing liquid and zones not containing liquid may be provided.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for making filters. The method comprises the steps of guiding a filter material along a filter material converging device. The method further comprises the step of positioning a continuous thread in the filter material by inserting the continuous thread from above into the filter material, while guiding the filter material along the converging device. Yet further, the method comprises the step of guiding a liquid from below the filter material into the filter material and introducing the liquid into the filter material upstream of the positioning of the continuous thread in the filter material.

According to an aspect of the method according to the invention, the step of introducing the liquid into the filter material comprises introducing the liquid substantially parallel to and into a moving direction of the filter material. In some preferred embodiments, the liquid is introduced into the filter material in a substantially horizontal manner.

According to another aspect of the method according to the invention, the step of introducing the liquid into the filter material comprises introducing the liquid from below the filter material under an introduction angle in a range between about 1 degree and about 30 degree. Thus, the liquid is introduced into the filter material substantially into the moving direction of the filter material, however provided with a certain slope.

According to a further aspect of the method according to the invention, the step of introducing the liquid into the filter material comprises spraying the liquid into the filter material, preferably by a gas jet. Such a gas jet may be provided by a gas source. This gas source may also be used for a gas jet into the filter material in the filter material converging device to enable additional fluffing of the filter material before converging the filter material into a rod shape. Such a fluffing facilitates the building of a regular structure of the rod in the converging device. Thus, advantageously, through the fluffing a more uniform introduction of liquid and of the thread into the filter material is facilitated.

In some preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention, the liquid is a liquid flavourant such as for example menthol.

Further aspects and advantages of the method according to the invention have been described with reference to the apparatus according to the invention and will therefore not be repeated.

Preferably, the apparatus and method according to the invention are used in the production of smoking articles, especially in the manufacture of filters and filter elements for smoking articles.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a smoking article comprising a filter segment, wherein the filter segment is manufactured with the method according to the invention and as described herein. The invention is further described with regard to embodiments, which are illustrated by means of the following drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a cross sectional side view through a filter material converging device with integrated liquid introduction device;

Fig. 2 is a cross section through the apparatus of

Fig. 1 along the plane of the liquid passage;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional side view of an adaptor system for connecting a liquid applicator to a liquid introduction device;

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional bottom view of the adaptor system of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 shows the adaptor system in a mounted state.

Fig. 1 shows a filter material converging device 1 having an inlet passage 10 for receiving a continuous web of filter material. The converging device 1 further comprises a funnel shaped portion 11 arranged downstream of the inlet passage 10. An air supply 12 is connected to the inlet passage 10 to provide an air flow into the converging device 1 to support a fluffing of the web passing through the converging device 1. The funnel shaped portion 11 comprises openings 110 providing an air passage for air to pass out of or into the funnel shaped portion 11. A garniture tongue 13 is arranged downstream of the outlet opening 111 of the funnel shaped portion 11 for forming the web leaving the funnel shaped portion 11 into a rod.

A needle portion 20 of a liquid introduction device 2 is integrated into the funnel shaped portion 11 of the converging device 1. The liquid introduction device 2 is substantially arranged below the converging device 1. The liquid introduction device 2 comprises a housing 21 comprising a liquid channel 22 arranged in the housing. The channel inlet is formed by a liquid inlet opening 24 adapted for connecting a liquid applicator to the housing 21 as may be seen in more detail in Fig. 2. The channel 22 passes from the inlet opening 24 through the housing 21 and through the needle portion 20 to the outlet opening 25 of the needle portion. The channel 22 is arranged in one plane, which plane is preferably arranged horizontally. The horizontal arrangement prevents a slope in the channel 22 exists that may lead to the gathering of liquid in the channel to flow into either direction of the channel, for example by gravitational force.

The outlet opening 25 of the needle portion 20 is arranged downstream of the outlet 111 of the funnel shaped portion 11, preferably such that a liquid may be introduced into substantially a center of a gathered filter material. At the outlet 111 of the converging device 1 a web of material has not yet achieved a dense rod shape, thus allowing the liquid inserted through needle portion 20 to be distributed over large portions of the web. The outlet opening 25 of the needle portion 20 is arranged upstream and adjacent the inlet of the garniture tongue 13.

A thread positioning device 3 as known in the art and for example as described in the European patent application EP-A-2 110 031 is schematically indicated in Fig. 1. The thread positioning device 3 is arranged downstream of the funnel shaped portion 11 and the liquid introduction device 2. In particular, the outlet opening 30 of the thread positioning device 1 is arranged downstream of the outlet opening 25 of the needle portion 20. Thus, liquid is introduced into the web of filter material and is distributed therein before a thread is inserted into the filter material. The outlet opening 30 of the thread positioning device 3 is arranged within the garniture tongue 13 upstream of the downstream end of the garniture tongue 13. Preferably, the outlet opening 30 of the thread positioning device 3 is arranged at a position where the web material has not yet formed a dense rod. By this, the insertion of the thread is facilitated and the thread is fixed in the rod by the following further gathering of the web.

The liquid introduction device 2 is mounted on a support 26, by which the device 2 may be mounted to a filter production line. The support 26 receives and secures the housing 21 of the liquid introduction device 2. In addition, the support 26 also keeps the filter material converging device 1, in particular the inlet passage 10 at a predefined angle to the liquid channel 20 or to a further transport direction of the material, respectively. In the embodiment shown, garniture tongue 13, thread positioning device 3 and liquid insertion device 2 form separate devices, which may be mounted separate from each other.

In the perspective view of the combined thread converging and liquid introduction device 1,2 as shown in Fig.3, it may be seen that an air supply 12 is connected to the inlet passage 10 on two opposite lateral sides to provide an air flow from two sides to the filter material to improve a fluffing effect into the filter material.

A gas source (not shown) connected to the air supply 12 may also be used for pressurizing, controlling, in particular pulsing, the liquid flow through the liquid channel 22. The gas source, for example supplying a jet of compressed air, is further used to increase the density of the tow within the rod .

In Figs. 4 to 6 an adaptor 5 for connecting a liquid applicator 6 to the liquid introduction device 2 in a rigid manner is shown. The adaptor 5 comprises two parts detachable from each other: an applicator housing 51 and a connector 50.

The applicator housing 51 is connected to the liquid applicator 6 and the connector 50 is connected to the liquid introduction device 2. A tube 52 delivering liquid from the liquid applicator 6 is guided from the applicator within the adaptor housing 51 and is connected to an inlet 502 of the connector 50 (tube 52 is indicated with dotted lines in Fig. 4) . An outlet 503 of the connector 50 is connected to the inlet 24 of the liquid introduction device 2. The connector 50 comprises a channel 514 such that in the mounted state of the connector 50, the tube 52 is in liquid connection with the passage 22 in the liquid introduction device 2.

Adaptor housing 51 and connector 50 may be detached from each other without detaching the connection of tube 52 and connector 50. Thus, the tube 52 and connector 50 may be inspected and maintained, while keeping the liquid connection between liquid applicator 6 and liquid introduction device 2.

The tube 52 originating from the applicator 6 comprises some buffer length. The buffer length allows that the connector 50 may be detached from the adaptor housing 51 up to a certain distance without having to detach the connection of tube 52 and connector 50.

The detachable connection between connector 50 and adaptor housing 51 may be seen in detail in the cross- sectional views of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. The connector 50 may be inserted into the housing 51 and may be held therein by relative rotation of connector 50 and housing 51. For a release of the connection, the connector 50 may be rotated in opposite direction against the force of pusher elements 511.

The housing 51 comprises three protrusions 510 extending radially from the housing 51. The protrusions 510 are regularly arranged along the circumference of the housing and at a same longitudinal position of the housing 51. The protrusions 510 each comprise a spring biased pusher element 511 arranged inside the protrusions. The pusher elements 511 push radially inwardly with the force of the spring connected to the pusher elements. The connector 50 has three radially outwardly extending cams 500. The cam surfaces facing radially outwardly each comprise a dent 501 for receiving one pusher element 511. In the mounted state of connector 50 and housing 51, the pusher elements 511 are pushed into the dents 501 and provide a resistance to overcome when detaching the connection between connector and housing. The housing 51 also comprises three inwardly pointing end stops 512 arranged next but somewhat distanced from the pusher elements 511. The end stops 512 provide enough space for the cams to be aligned with the pusher elements. The end stops 512 also provide a stop for the cams 500 of the connector in order such that the connector is not further rotated than the location of the pusher elements 511. By this, a secure alignment of dent 501 and pusher element 511 is supported. If the connector 51 is rotated in opposite direction, the end stops 512 also prevent an engagement of a cam 500 with another pusher element 511. Thus, once inserted into the housing 51, the rotational movement 513 of the connector 50 is limited in both directions by the end stops 512. By this, it may be prevented that a connector 50 is inadvertently rotated to an extent, where the liquid supply tube 52 might get twisted. In Fig. 6 the adaptor 5 is shown in the mounted state. The adaptor 5 is mounted to a liquid applicator 6 as known in the art, preferably a heatable applicator, where particulate or solid flavouring material is liquefied by heat. Due to the external housing 51 the tube 52 inside the housing 51 is protected and isolated and a liquid in the tube, for example liquefied menthol, is less prone to crystallization. The adaptor 5 is mounted to the liquid introduction device 2 using a tube corner piece 507 between outlet 503 of the connector 50 and inlet 24 of the liquid introduction device 2. This allows for a substantially vertical orientation of the applicator 6 and adaptor 5 such that liquid transport in these apparatus elements is supported by gravitational force. In addition, the complete rigid connection between applicator 6 and insertion device 2 minimizes the risk of loose, damaged or fallen off tubes.

Claims

1. Apparatus for making filters, the apparatus comprising

- a filter material converging device;

- a thread positioning device for positioning a continuous thread in the filter material;

- a liquid introduction device for introducing a liquid into the filter material, wherein

the thread positioning device is arranged above the converging device such that an outlet opening of the thread positioning device is arrangeable within the converging device, wherein

the liquid introduction device is arranged below the converging device such that an outlet opening of the liquid introduction device is arrangeable within the converging device, and wherein the outlet opening of the liquid introduction device is arranged upstream of the outlet opening of the thread positioning device.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a passageway for guiding the liquid in the liquid introduction device is arranged substantially parallel to a moving direction of the filter material in the converging device .

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the passageway for guiding the liquid in the liquid introduction device is arranged in a substantially horizontal manner .

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a passageway for guiding the liquid in the liquid introduction device is arranged at an angle with respect to a horizontal plane.

5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4,

wherein the passageway for guiding the liquid is at least partially arranged in the filter material converging device.

6. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding

claims, wherein the liquid introduction device further comprises a gas inlet for introducing the liquid into the filter material via a gas jet.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising

synchronization means for synchronizing the liquid introduction with the transport speed of the filter material .

8. Method for making filters, the method comprising the steps of

- guiding a filter material along a filter material converging device;

- positioning a continuous thread in the filter material by inserting the continuous thread from above into the filter material;

- guiding a liquid from below the filter material into the filter material and introducing the liquid into the filter material upstream of the positioning of the continuous thread in the filter material.

9. Method according to claim 8, wherein the step of introducing the liquid into the filter material comprises introducing the liquid substantially

parallel to and into a moving direction of the filter material .

10. Method according to claim 9, wherein the liquid is

introduced into the filter material in a substantially horizontal manner.

11. Method according to claim 8, wherein the step of

introducing the liquid into the filter material comprises introducing the liquid from below the filter material under an introduction angle in a range between about 1 degree and about 30 degree.

12. Method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the step of introducing the liquid into the filter material comprises spraying the liquid into the filter material .

13. Method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the liquid is a liquid flavourant.

14. Use of the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or of the method according to any one of claims 8 to 13 in the production of smoking articles.

15. Smoking article comprising a filter segment, wherein the filter segment is manufactured according to a method of any one of claims 8 to 13.