CN113163859A

CN113163859A - Method for producing an inductively heatable tobacco product

Info

Publication number: CN113163859A
Application number: CN201980084710.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·瓦斯蒙德; R·布塞克; L·科赫; H-P·舒马赫尔; M·格拉赫; M·林布格; M·瓦格纳; N·蒂森
Original assignee: Hauni Maschinenbau GmbH
Current assignee: Koerber Technologies GmbH
Priority date: 2018-12-20
Filing date: 2019-12-12
Publication date: 2021-07-23
Also published as: DE102018133156A1; WO2020125835A1; EP3897242A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing an inductively heatable tobacco product (1), wherein the method comprises the following steps: -providing a tobacco product (1); -providing a base segment (2), wherein the base segment (2) comprises a Longitudinal Axis (LA) and a cross section (QS) arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis; -increasing the axial area moment of inertia of the cross section (QS) of the base segment (2), in particular by a shape change of the cross section, preferably by a punching and/or rolling process; -positioning the base segment (2) in the tobacco product (1) in such a way that the base segment (2) and the tobacco product (1) are moved relative to each other, thereby inserting the base segment (2) into the tobacco product (1).

Description

Method for producing an inductively heatable tobacco product

Technical Field

The invention relates to a method and a device for producing an inductively heatable tobacco product, which is used in an inductively heating device.

Background

Electronic heating devices are known from the prior art, which heat an aerosol-forming substrate by means of a resistive heating element. Prior to use, the smoking article is inserted into the cavity of the heating device and the aerosol-forming substrate is thereby pushed onto the heatable knife edge (kline) of the heating device. Such smoking articles are not suitable or only limitedly suitable for use in induction heating appliances.

In an inductive heating appliance, the induction source generates an alternating electromagnetic field which induces a voltage in the base (Suszeptor). By the induced voltage, eddy currents are formed inside the base material and cause heat generation. The base must be in thermal proximity to the aerosol-forming substrate, e.g. tobacco substrate, in order to heat the aerosol-forming substrate and thereby release the volatile compounds.

In WO 2016184930 a1, a device and a method are disclosed which insert a base material in the form of a metallic, rectangular in cross-section sheet into the tobacco segments of finished smoking articles, so that these can be heated and consumed by an induction heating device.

A force is required when inserting the foil into the tobacco segment. If the force applied to the foil is excessive, the foil may bend, bend or break. In this case, incorrect positioning of the base segment within the tobacco segment or damage to the wrapping paper or the entire segment and likewise malfunctions in the process flow can occur, which can have an adverse effect on the operation of the processing machine.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is to provide a method and a device which ensure positionally accurate and error-free insertion of the base material into the tobacco product and which permit largely error-free manufacture.

This object is achieved by a method for producing an inductively heatable tobacco product, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

-providing a tobacco product;

-providing a base segment, wherein the base segment comprises a Longitudinal Axis (LA) and a cross section (QS) having an axial area moment of inertia oriented transverse to the Longitudinal Axis (LA);

-increasing the axial area moment of inertia of the cross section (QS) of the base segment, in particular by a shape change of the cross section, preferably by a punching and/or rolling process, in particular deformation;

-positioning the shape-changed base segment in the tobacco product by moving the base segment and the tobacco product relative to each other, thereby inserting, in particular pressing, the base segment into the tobacco product.

By means of which the base segment can be inserted in a simple and reliable manner into a tobacco product that has been wrapped with a wrapping paper and formed into a rod-shaped article. The methods known from the prior art for pressing a base segment into a tobacco-containing segment have the disadvantage that a reaction force acts on the base segment, which may bend or bend the segment. This drawback is reliably eliminated by the method step of increasing the axial area moment of inertia of the cross section and consequently increasing the stiffness of the base segment. Thus, the base segment can be positioned in the tobacco containing segment with greater precision and less damage.

As an alternative to the described method, the object is also achieved by a method for producing an inductively heatable smoking article, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

-providing a tobacco product;

-providing a base material, wherein the base material comprises a Longitudinal Axis (LA) and a cross section (QS) with an axial area moment of inertia oriented transverse to the Longitudinal Axis (LA);

-increasing the axial area moment of inertia of the cross section (QS) of the base material, in particular by a shape change of the cross section, preferably by a punching and/or rolling process, in particular deformation;

-dividing the base material into a plurality of base segments,

-positioning one of a plurality of base segments in the tobacco product by moving the base segments and the tobacco product relative to each other, thereby inserting, in particular pressing, the base segments into the tobacco product.

Both illustrated alternatives relate to embodiments in which either a magazine with prefabricated base segments is provided or the base material is provided in the form of a continuous strip, which is preferably drawn off from a reel. The increase in the area moment of inertia of the cross section is preferably not performed by the application of other materials. In particular, the area moment of inertia of the cross-section is increased by at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% or more than 50%.

A preferred development of the two methods is characterized in that the increase in the axial area moment of inertia of the base segment or of the base material is carried out along the Longitudinal Axis (LA) by means of a shape change of the cross section (QS) which remains substantially the same, in particular the same or partially different. The execution of such a shape change can be advantageously achieved because the base material or base segment can be processed by means of rollers or rollers and because a correspondingly configured base segment can be inserted into the tobacco product with low resistance.

In order to heat the tobacco product uniformly, the step of positioning the base segment in the tobacco product preferably comprises positioning the base segment in a central section of the tobacco product, preferably with respect to the length and/or height and/or width and/or diameter of the tobacco product.

An advantageous cross section of the base segment is characterized in that the cross section (QS) of the base segment formed by the shape change molds a positioning section which allows a positionally stable reception of the base segment, preferably transversely to the longitudinal extension of the base segment. The positioning section can be realized in the form of at least one projection and/or depression of material, which is formed along the longitudinal extension of the base segment, preferably as a guide groove and/or guide tongue.

The base segment is advantageously guided on one or both sides, in particular over the entire surface, during the positioning step. The base segment is guided during insertion into the tobacco product, which prevents bending of the segment outside the tobacco product. By means of the guide for the segments, a precise positioning of the segments is ensured when inserting the segments into the tobacco product.

It is particularly preferred that the base section has a length less than, greater than or equal to the length of the tobacco product. Thereby, the base segment can be positioned within the product over the entire circumference. No projecting edges or bulges are produced here. If the base segment has a length greater than the segment to be heated, heat can be supplied to the adjacent segment and/or a connection to the adjacent segment in accordance with the dowel (Duebel) style can be realized.

In order to facilitate insertion or pressing into the tobacco product, the base segment has a first end which is pointed and/or provided with blades and a second end opposite the first end. The base section is advantageously arranged such that the tip and/or the first end provided with a blade face is/are directed towards the tobacco product. As a result, the reaction forces acting on the base segment during insertion are reduced and bending or bending of the segment is prevented. The segment is configured with a pointed and/or bladed first end, which in a preferred embodiment of the method can be included as a specific method step, in particular for machining the segment.

In order to accelerate the manufacturing process, in a preferred embodiment, a plurality of tobacco products and a plurality of base segments are provided for positioning, wherein each of the base segments is inserted into the respective tobacco product, in particular positioned and pressed in or can be pressed in before the tobacco product. This allows the method to be performed quickly and efficiently in a plurality of products.

If a plurality of base segments and a plurality of tobacco products are provided, the relative movement is effected in succession in the positioning step, individually or in groups, each time the base segments are pressed into the associated tobacco product, wherein in particular each group of base segments is pressed simultaneously into the associated tobacco product and comprises 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8 base segments. The method can thus advantageously be carried out on a drum machine of the tobacco processing industry.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method, the step of arranging the tobacco product(s) in a recess, in particular a groove, or arranging the tobacco product(s) in a plurality of recesses, in particular grooves, and fixing the tobacco product(s) in a recess, in particular a groove, or fixing the tobacco product(s) in a plurality of recesses, in particular grooves, is carried out by the provision of a holding element or holding elements. The tobacco product is fixed or locked by the holding element in order to prevent a longitudinal and/or transverse axial movement when the base section is pressed in.

Preferably, the method is carried out on a drum machine of the tobacco processing industry such that the base segment is pressed into the tobacco product on a drum body and this drum body comprises 10 to 200 grooves, preferably 20 to 100 grooves or particularly preferably 40 to 75 grooves for receiving the tobacco product. Alternatively, instead of the roller body, other conveying and processing devices, for example a grooved belt, can be used.

The described modifications of the two methods represent individual modifications of the general inventive concept and can be applied independently of one another to the two alternative methods.

The object is also achieved by a device for producing an inductively heatable tobacco product, comprising: a first receiving section comprising at least one recess, in particular a groove, for receiving at least one tobacco product; a second receiving section having at least one receiving portion for at least one base segment, wherein the base segment comprises a longitudinal axis and a cross section arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis; wherein the first receiving section or parts of the first receiving section and the second receiving section or parts of the second receiving section are configured to be movable relative to and towards each other, and wherein the first receiving section and the second receiving section are arranged such that at least one base segment in a receiving portion of the second receiving section is insertable and positionable into at least one tobacco product in the first receiving section in a relative movement between the first receiving section and the second receiving section or parts of the receiving sections, characterized in that the device comprises means for increasing the axial area moment of inertia of the cross section of the base segment, in particular by a shape change of the cross section, preferably by a stamping or rolling process, in particular deformation. The increase in the axial area moment of inertia of the cross-section of the base segment prevents the base segment from bending and/or buckling when pressed into a tobacco product. Similar to the embodiments of the method, the advantages of the embodiments of the device are obtained.

In a preferred refinement of the device according to the invention, the device furthermore comprises a fixing element for fixing at least one tobacco product in at least one recess or groove of the first receiving section, wherein the fixing element ensures the position of the tobacco product in the recess or groove, preferably also during the positioning of the base segment in the tobacco product. The retaining element can be, for example, a simple stop which is arranged on a distal end of the groove, for example on a distal end of the groove facing away from the second receiving section, so that a longitudinal movement of the tobacco product in the groove is limited by the stop. The retaining element can likewise comprise at least one groove for clamping at least one tobacco product between the at least one groove of the first receiving section and the at least one groove of the retaining element. In the pair of grooves, the tobacco product can be fixed, in particular clamped, over its entire length.

A preferred embodiment of the device comprises the arrangement of the first receiving section and the second receiving section on a drum body, which can be driven in particular in a rotating manner, of a machine of the tobacco processing industry. In this way, the pressing-in of the base segment into the tobacco product can be integrated into the production process of the tobacco product. Preferably either the first receiving section or the second receiving section or a part thereof is movably mounted. The active parts of the receiving section can be selectively controlled by an electric motor or by a cam mechanism.

Preferably, the first receiving section comprises a plurality of grooves for receiving a plurality of tobacco products and the second receiving section comprises a plurality of receivers for receiving a plurality of base segments.

Particularly preferably, the plurality of receptacles of the second receiving section correspond to the plurality of grooves of the first receiving section. The plurality of receptacles for the base segments can be, for example, a plurality of flat receiving surfaces for receiving sheet-like or strip-like base segments. Preferably, the plurality of tobacco products fed to the device corresponds to a plurality of base segments fed to the device. In the case of a plurality of grooves and a plurality of receptacles, a plurality of tobacco products with a respective one of the base segments can preferably be provided simultaneously.

The production of inductively heatable tobacco products can thereby be improved.

In order to prevent a transverse axial movement of the base segment, it is preferred that the at least one receptacle of the second receptacle section comprises a bearing surface for receiving the at least one base segment, wherein the contour of the receptacle surface is molded substantially corresponding to the contour of the base segment, wherein the base segment is preferably held by underpressure, by a clamping mechanism and/or magnetically.

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

The pressing of the base segment into the tobacco product is preferably effected by a relative linear movement of the first and second receiving sections or by portions of the first and second receiving sections in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the at least one groove or in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the at least one groove. In this embodiment, an advantageous embodiment of the movement mechanism results, so that only the individual parts of the receiving section are to be set in relative movement.

In order to achieve a rapid and efficient production process, the device comprises a plurality of first receiving sections and a plurality of second receiving sections, wherein the first receiving sections each have at least one recess or groove, in particular 2, 3, 4 or 5 recesses or grooves, and the second receiving sections each have at least one, in particular 2, 3, 4 or 5 receptacles, wherein each paired relative movement of one first receiving section and one second receiving section takes place simultaneously or in succession and inserts, presses and/or positions the respective at least one base segment into the respective at least one tobacco product. Here, the pressing-in and positioning of the base segments are carried out simultaneously in small groups, which leads to an acceleration of the method and ensures a higher production efficiency.

Similar to the above-described devices, the insertion of the base segment can be carried out on a transport drum, a processing drum or a modified sliding drum in a manufacturing machine of the tobacco processing industry. Furthermore, the base segment can be inserted into the tobacco product on both sides at opposite ends of the tobacco product, as is disclosed, for example, in the german patent application with application number 102018114404.0.

The term "tobacco product" as used in the present application can relate to an aerosol-forming tobacco segment or a tobacco-containing segment or a filter segment provided with an aerosol-forming liquid, which is provided with a base segment in the device according to the invention and/or with the method according to the invention, in order to form an inductively heatable tobacco product or an inductively heatable tobacco segment. "tobacco product" can also mean a tobacco segment which is arranged on a mouthpiece, which can optionally comprise a filter segment and/or further segments, for example a cooling segment or a spacer segment. The filter segment and other segments can be selected consistent with the composition of the tobacco segment. The aerosol-forming tobacco segment and the mouthpiece and possibly other segments may be capable of being assembled for forming a structural unit. The tobacco product can be, for example, a finished product, i.e. a consumable, such as, for example, an aerosol-generating smoking article, which can be used in conjunction with an electronic heating device, for example, an electronic cigarette or an HnB (heated non-burning) smoking set.

Preferably, the tobacco product has a longitudinal extension and has a circular or oval cross-section. But the tobacco product can also have a rectangular or polygonal cross-section. Preferably, the tobacco product is rod-shaped. The tobacco product is or comprises a tobacco segment composed of an aerosol-forming tobacco substrate. Preferably, the aerosol-forming tobacco substrate contains volatile tobacco flavorants that are released from the tobacco substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming tobacco substrate can comprise or consist of a mixed tobacco cutting filler or can comprise a homogenised tobacco material. The homogenized tobacco material can be formed by agglomeration of particulate tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate can additionally comprise a non-tobacco containing material, such as a homogenized plant material that is not tobacco.

Preferably, the aerosol-forming tobacco substrate is a tobacco film, preferably crimped, folded and/or pleated, comprising tobacco material, fibres, binder and aerosol former. Preferably, the tobacco film is a cast film in the form of reconstituted tobacco prepared by means of a slurry (Aufschl ä mm ung) and comprises tobacco particles, fibrous particles, aerosol former, binder and optionally flavourant. The crimped, pleated tobacco film, e.g. cast film, can have a thickness in the range of between about 0.5 mm and about 2 mm, preferably between about 0.8 mm and about 1.5 mm, e.g. 1 mm. Thickness deviations of up to about 30% may occur due to manufacturing tolerances. The crimped, pleated, or folded tobacco film can be formed into rod-shaped tobacco segments. The tobacco film can also be cut into narrow, 0.5 to 3 mm wide parallel strips and pleated (zusa mm enraffen) into rod-shaped articles.

As used in this regard, the term "susceptor" refers to a material in various embodiments that is capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat, and includes the concepts "susceptor segment" and "susceptor material". Eddy currents are induced when the susceptor or susceptor segments are in an alternating electromagnetic field, which induce heating of the susceptor segments. When the base segment is in thermal contact or close thermal proximity with the aerosol-forming tobacco substrate, the aerosol-forming tobacco substrate is so heated by the base segment as to form an aerosol. Preferably, the base segment is arranged in direct physical contact with, e.g. within, the aerosol-forming tobacco substrate.

The base can be formed of any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate. Preferred base materials include metals. Preferred bases can comprise or consist of ferromagnetic materials, such as ferromagnetic alloys, ferritic iron, ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel. A suitable base can be or include aluminum. The preferred susceptor material is capable of being heated to temperatures in excess of 250 degrees celsius.

Suitable susceptor segments or materials can include a non-metallic core having a metal layer disposed thereon, a metallized vapor-sprayed (bedampfen) surface such as a ceramic core. The base material can have an outer protective layer, for example a protective ceramic layer or a protective glass layer. The base material can include a protective coating formed of glass, ceramic, and/or inert metal that encases a core composed of the base material.

The base can comprise a plurality of materials, in particular a first material and a second material. The first material is in direct physical contact with the second material. The second material preferably has a curie temperature of less than 500 ℃. The first material is preferably initially used for heating the base segment when the base segment is arranged in the fluctuating electromagnetic field. Each suitable material can be used. For example, the first material can be an aluminum or iron material, such as stainless steel. Preferably, the second material is primarily used to indicate that the base segment has reached a particular temperature, wherein the temperature is the curie temperature of the second material. The curie temperature of the second material can be used to regulate the temperature of the entire base segment during operation. Therefore, the curie temperature of the second material should be below the ignition point of the aerosol-forming substrate.

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

The first material is preferably a magnetic material having a curie temperature above 500 ℃. From the point of view of heating efficiency, it is desirable that the curie temperature of the first material is higher than any maximum temperature to which the base segment should be heated. The second curie temperature should preferably be chosen such that it is below 400 ℃, preferably below 380 ℃ or below 360 ℃. The second material is preferably a magnetic material which is selected such that it has a second curie temperature substantially equal to the desired maximum heating temperature.

That is, it is preferred that the second curie temperature is substantially equal to a temperature to which the base segment should be heated for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate. The second curie temperature can be, for example, in the range of 200 ℃ to 400 ℃ or between 250 ℃ and 360 ℃. For example, the second curie temperature of the second material can be selected such that when heated by a base segment having the same temperature as the second curie temperature, the overall average temperature of 240 ℃ of the aerosol-forming substrate is not exceeded.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an induction heatable smoking article for use in an induction heating device. The inductively heatable smoking article comprises or consists of an inductively heatable tobacco product which is produced in a device according to the invention or by a method according to the invention. The inductively heatable smoking article includes an inductively heatable tobacco segment. The inductively-heatable tobacco segment includes an aerosol-forming tobacco substrate and a base segment. Typically, an inductively heatable smoking article is placed into a cavity of an induction heating device such that a sensor segment in the tobacco segment is heated by a corresponding inductance of the energy supply electronics arranged in the induction heating device.

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

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

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

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

Drawings

The invention will be further described in the light of embodiments illustrated in the following figures, in which:

figure 1a shows a tobacco segment and a base segment,

figure 1b shows a tobacco segment with a wrongly inserted base segment,

figures 2a-q show different cross-sectional shapes of the base segment,

figure 3 shows a tobacco product with a correctly inserted base segment,

figures 4a-b show a configuration of a drum machine for inserting a foundation segment,

figure 5 shows a second receiving section for a base segment,

figures 6a-d illustrate embodiments of base segments having sharp edges and/or tips, and

figure 7 shows an insertion drum for inserting the base segment into the tobacco segment.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1a shows a tobacco segment 1 having a core of a crimped tobacco film, which is surrounded by a wrapping paper and which has a base segment 2 in the form of a metal sheet, which comprises a cross section QS and a longitudinal axis LA. Fig. 1b shows a damaged tobacco segment 1, wherein the base segment 2 does not withstand the counter pressure due to a collapsed core, is bent and damages the tobacco segment's tobacco containing core and wrapping material when inserted into a tobacco product.

On the basis of the knowledge that the base segment 2 in the form of an elongated metal sheet may bend upon insertion into a tobacco product and damage the tobacco product, the cross-sectional shape of the base segment 2 is adapted in such a way that the axial area moment of inertia is increased. Bending and bending of the segments is prevented by the corresponding cross-sectional shape, as can be seen in fig. 1 b. Fig. 2 shows different cross-sectional shapes of the base segment 2. Sub-figures a to m show a one-piece base segment 2.1 and sub-figures n to q show a multi-piece base segment 2.2. On the one hand, this cross-sectional shape provides greater rigidity and on the other hand, this shape can be used as a positioning aid in the transverse direction when inserted into a tobacco segment. If the base segment is in a receiving section, which matches the cross-sectional shape of the base segment, the receiving section prevents a transverse axial movement of the segment when the segment is inserted into the tobacco product. This additional property of the changed cross-sectional shape of the segments is described in detail in the embodiment according to fig. 5.

In order to enable the base segment 2, which is present in the tobacco segment 1 as a heat source, to dissipate heat uniformly to the tobacco segment 1 and thus to achieve effective aerosol formation, it is advantageous to insert the base segment 2 centrally into the tobacco product 1. Fig. 3 shows a curved base segment 2, which is inserted centrally in the central section of the tobacco segment 1. In this case, the center of gravity FS of the cross section QS of the base segment 2 lies preferably at the midpoint M of the circular cross section of the tobacco segment 1.

The basic configuration of a rotary drum machine 3 for producing inductively heatable tobacco products of the tobacco processing industry is shown in fig. 4a and b, in which a base segment 2 is provided, the cross section QS of which is changed in shape and inserted into a tobacco segment 1. The present invention relates to a drum machine 3, for example a combined machine or a multi-segment production machine. The drum machine 3 (fig. 4 b) shown comprises a right-hand module 4 of the supply unit of tobacco segments and a left-hand module 5 which supplies the base segment 2 and inserts it into the tobacco segment 1.

The supply of the tobacco sections 1 is illustrated in fig. 4a (i), wherein the associated supply module 4 for the tobacco sections 1 is illustrated in fig. 4b and has a supply reservoir 6 with rod-shaped articles 7, which preferably consist of a crimped or cut-to-strip tobacco film provided with a covering material, for example paper, aluminum foil and/or aluminized paper. The rod-shaped articles 7 can have a length of between 40 mm and 350 mm, preferably between 60 mm and 150 mm, particularly preferably 120 mm, and a diameter of between 5 mm and 9 mm, preferably between 6 mm and 8 mm, particularly preferably 7.9 mm or 7.2 mm. A plurality of tobacco segments 7.1 is produced from the rod-shaped article 7. The rod-shaped articles 7 are separated from the stock store 6 by a roller 101 and are separated by

cutters

102 and 103. The cutting

knives

102, 103 can be formed by a plurality of rotating circular knives which are arranged on a shaft in such a way that the rod-shaped article 7 is divided into a plurality of segments 7.1, in particular 2, 4, 5, 6 or 8 segments. In a variant embodiment, any shaft with a plurality of circular disks can be replaced in the drum machine 3 by a corresponding number of shafts with only one circular disk. On the

subsequent rollers

104, 105, the segments 7.1 are aligned and moved in a row in succession on the

rollers

106, 107. These segments are double long, form a conveying section and are handed over to the drum 108. These working steps are shown in FIG. 4a (I.1-I.5). On the drum 108, the segments 7.1 are divided into segments 1 by a further cutting mechanism 109 and are separated from one another by means of a spacer 122 which can be embodied, for example, as a wedge. The spacing can be between 2 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 6 mm and 10 mm, particularly preferably 8 mm. The spacing of the two tobacco segments has the following advantages, namely: after each segment 1, a stop or a holding element (not shown here) can be present in order to be able to carry out the pressing-in process of the base segment 2 without error.

Fig. 4a (ii) shows the provision of the base segment 2 (ii.1-ii.4), the deformation of the cross section QS of said segment 2 (ii.5), the transfer to the insertion roller 123 by means of the transfer roller 121, and the positioning in the tobacco segment 1 by pressing in (ii.7). The base material 8, in this case the metal strip from an uncoiled reel, not shown here, is inserted into the left module 5 of the drum machine 3 by means of conveying and/or deflection rollers 111 to 113, wherein the roller pairs 114, 115 form a drawing roller pair for conveying the metal strip. The metal strip is cut longitudinally by the cutting device 110 into two webs 9 and 10. The spacer 116 thus separates the two webs 9, 10 so that further processing can advantageously take place. The base material 8 or the two webs 9, 10 can be supplied by means of a reel, wherein the metal strip 31 is divided in the longitudinal direction by means of a cutting mechanism 110 into two metal strips 9, 10 or is supplied from two reels being unwound, wherein the cutting process step is eliminated in the respective embodiment. The two material webs 9, 10 are cut into base segments 2 and separated on the processing rollers 117, 118. The corresponding cutting and separating device can be designed analogously to the cutting and separating device for covering paper, for example according to german patent application DE 102016112724 a1, in particular according to fig. 4, or analogously to the cutting mechanism, for example according to application DE 102007059625 a1, in particular according to fig. 1, 4 and/or 5. The base material 8, for example in the form of a metal strip 31, is held on the rollers by means of a negative pressure or a magnetic field and is divided by a cutting or blanking device. The division of the material web can be carried out in such a way that the length of the section 2 is produced by the width of the material web or the width of the material web forms the width of the base section 2. Alternatively, the dividing device with rollers 117, 118 can be replaced by another dividing device comprising a laser for cutting the base material into base segments. After passing over the rollers 117, 118, the separated susceptor segments are handed over to a roller 119. Optionally after dividing the base material 8 into base segments 2, the oscillator can change the pitch of the base segments and/or an extraction device, such as a blow-off device, extracts the defective segment. The

rollers

119, 120 act as a shape-changing unit, which changes the cross section QS of the base segment 2 in such a way that the axial area moment of inertia, in this case the longitudinal axis of the base segment 2, is increased in order to avoid kinking and/or damage to the segment 2 when inserted into the tobacco segment 1. The blanking or punching process is performed by the co-action of the

rollers

119 and 120. Advantageously, the base segment 2 is provided with a longitudinally axially extending recess, preferably oriented towards the centre of the drum body 119. After the transfer onto the roller 121 (ii.6), the pocket of the base segment 2 is turned away from the roller center of the roller 121 as a result of the transfer onto the next roller 121.

The tobacco segments 1 arranged in pairs pass from the drum 108 onto the drum 123. On the drum 121, the divided base segments 2 are arranged side by side in pairs on two conveying sections and are transferred to an insertion drum 123, which inserts the base segments 2 arranged in pairs into the tobacco segments 1 likewise arranged in pairs. The sharpening and/or sharpening process step of the base segment 2 can be carried out, for example, by laser means. The means for sharpening the edges, which are arranged at the lateral edges of the base material 8, 31, make it possible to form blades, in particular blades that are sharpened on both sides. In fig. 6 some embodiments of a base segment 2 that is sharpened and/or provided with a blade 16 are shown. Alternatively, this processing step can be carried out by further device components, in particular processing drums, which are not shown in fig. 4 b.

The insertion of the base segment 2 into the tobacco product 1 is depicted in detail in fig. 7 and shows a detailed embodiment of the insertion drum 123.

After the insertion process, the tobacco segments 1 arranged side by side in pairs with the inserted base segments 2 are placed on the drum 123, which are transferred in pairs to the transport drum 124.1. During the manufacture of multi-segment products, the

modules

4, 5 of the drum machine 3 can be combined with other modules for the manufacture of very different multi-segment products. The transport rollers 124.1 to 124.4 transport the tobacco segments 1 or intermediate products with the base segment 2 to the right edge of the roller machine 3 or module 4 for transfer to another module or to a processing, transport or packaging device designed in another way. The transport direction T can be changed at will and can likewise extend from right to left by modification of the

modules

4, 5 or module arrangement. The transport direction T can extend not only horizontally but also at an angle a. The tumbling machine 3 and/or one of the

modules

4, 5 can contain detection means, in particular eddy current measuring means in the form of a metal detector, a microwave means, an X-ray means or a camera means, in accordance with german patent application DE 102016115098 a1, which check the position and presence of the base segment 2 inside the tobacco product 1. Another detection means enables the presence and quality of the segments 2, in particular of the segments with altered shape, to be checked during the supply or processing of the base segments 2. Defective smoking articles or defective intermediate articles are separated from the product flow by an extraction device.

The method for inserting the base segment 2 into the tobacco product 1 can be carried out in a rotary drum machine of the tobacco processing industry. In particular, the mass flow delivered in a single layer can be moved continuously and/or in a clocked manner in sections.

According to the invention, the device for inserting the base segment 2 into the tobacco product 1 has a first receiving section 20 for receiving the tobacco product and a second receiving section 11 for receiving the base segment 2. The base segment 2 has a contour 13, which advantageously substantially corresponds to the contour 12 of the second receiving section 11. The base segment 2 is thus guided over substantially the entire surface on one side and can be advantageously positioned in the central section of the tobacco segment 1 by this guidance. One possible embodiment can be an insertion roller 123 with the features from the german patent application with AZ 102018104956.0, which discloses, in particular, radial groove offset on the circumferential surface. In this case, the second receiving section 11 for the base segment 2 can be on a portion of the circumferential surface having a larger radius and the tobacco product 1 can be on another portion having a smaller radius. This ensures that the base segment 2 is guided by the contour 12 of the second receiving section and is inserted into the central section of the tobacco product. The base segment 2 is held on the second receiving section 11 by a holding device 19, in particular an opening that can be acted on by underpressure. This can be a magnetic holding device, a clamping device and/or a vacuum holding device. The foundation segment 2 can comprise a further profile (Auspr ä gung) 17, which is guided by a groove, tongue, projection or recess 18 in the second receiving section 11 and prevents a transverse axial displacement of the foundation segment 2. In particular, the contour 13 of the base segment 2 matches the contour 12 of the receiving surface 212. By means of this mutually coordinated shaping, the base segment 2 rests preferably in a self-centering manner on the bearing surface 212. This is ensured by the preferably circular shape of the recess of the base segment 2 and by the recess of the receiving surface 212 substantially matching the recess of the base segment 2. The base segment 2 possesses a pointed and/or bladed first end 14 and a flat second end 15, wherein the pointed and/or bladed first end 14 is directed towards the tobacco product. The cross section QS is substantially constant in the longitudinal axial direction according to the longitudinal axis LA. This allows easy pressing into the tobacco product 1 and accurate positioning during pressing.

The insertion of the base segment 2 can be facilitated by a special design of the segment. Fig. 6a-d show different designs of the base section that is pointed and/or bladed. Fig. 6a shows a rectangular foil 2, wherein the first end 14 is sharpened and provided with a blade 16. Fig. 6b shows a side view of the base section 2 shown sharpened in fig. 6 a. The sharpening and/or sharpening of the base segment 2 can be integrated as a distinct method step into a method for manufacturing an inductively heatable smoking article. Fig. 6c likewise shows a base segment 2 with a sharpened edge 16, wherein the segment is additionally provided with a laterally arranged tip 28. By means of this embodiment, the segments 2 perform a pull-type cut during pressing into the tobacco segments 1, thereby ensuring easy penetration into the tobacco segments 1. In fig. 6d the tip 28 is located in the center and the blade 16 is arranged on both sides beside the tip 28. Upon insertion of the segment into the tobacco product, each of the two halves performs a pull-type cut, thereby facilitating the plunging process. In addition to the embodiment in fig. 6a and b, the blade 16 can be sharpened on both sides. Preferably, the tip 28 is designed symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base section 2 and preferably with a double-edged blade. A particularly advantageous insertion is thereby ensured, since shape-induced movements transverse to the insertion direction are avoided. The base segment 2 shown in fig. 6 is provided in particular with a shape change according to the cross section QS of fig. 2.

Fig. 7 shows an insertion drum 123 for inserting the base segment 2 into a tobacco product 1, for example into a segment consisting of a crimped tobacco film. The drum 123 comprises a first receiving section 20 for receiving the tobacco product 1 and a second receiving section 11 for receiving the base segment 2. Each second receiving section 11 possesses a plurality of receivers 22 for the base segments 2. In the embodiment shown, a plurality of second receiving sections 11 are arranged on the insertion drum 123, which are controlled by a cam mechanism, for example, on the circumferential surface inside the drum 123. The receiving sections 11 are arranged on a linear guide rail, wherein each receiving section 11 comprises three receivers 22. The number of receptacles 22 of the second receiving section 11 can be different or the same for each receiving section 11, in particular 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or at least 6 receptacles 22. An advantageous embodiment of the second receiving section 11 comprises exactly two, three or four receiving portions 22, since the insertion of the base segment 2 into two, three or four tobacco products 1 can take place simultaneously and thus increases the speed of the production process and corresponds to the requirements of implementation on the rotary drum machine of the tobacco processing industry. These receptacles 22 are formed by cantilevers 23 and clamps 30 for fixing the base segment 2. This fixing can be carried out by means of a receiving groove, a clamping device and/or a magnet holder. The gripper 30 is designed such that the height adjustment of the insertion height of the base segment 2 can be carried out manually or automatically, for example when producing tobacco products 1 having different diameters, for example after a machine change.

In an alternative embodiment, the cantilever 23 does not have a clamp 30 for the base segment 2, but rather the insertion of the base segment 2 into the tobacco product 1 is effected without holding the segment. The base segment 2 is held on a partial region of the circumferential surface of the drum body 123 and is guided in particular in a guide device, preferably in a guide groove. This holding can be performed, for example, by means of guide grooves, magnetic action and/or underpressure. In order to ensure correct insertion of the base segment 2 into the tobacco product 1, the circumferential surface can be formed in this region of the cylinder body with a radial offset according to the german patent application with the reference AZ 102018104956.0.

The first receiving section 20, which is also located on the circumferential surface of the insertion drum 123, comprises at least one groove 24 for each tobacco product 1, which is provided on both sides with side walls 25 and a retaining element 21, which is configured in this case as a stopper element, and prevents a longitudinal axial movement of the tobacco product 1 as a result of the insertion of the base segment 2. The grooves 24.1-24.3 of the first receiving section 20 can be assigned to the respective second receiving section 11 in groups.

By means of an electric drive or a cam mechanism, the segment 2 can be moved on the second receiving section relative to the first receiving section 20 in order to perform the insertion of the base segment 2. The base segment 2 is advantageously shorter than the tobacco product 1 so that it does not pierce the tobacco product. This may adversely affect further processing. The base segment 2 is advantageously in a groove or guide 18 (not shown in fig. 7) and guided during insertion for avoiding a transverse axial movement of the segment 2. This guide 18 can also be formed according to the part of the second receiving section 11 shown in fig. 5. Advantageously, in the following method step, the tobacco product 1 provided with the base segment 2 can be combined with other segments into a rod-shaped product, in particular according to the embodiments in fig. 3 of patent document EP 2996504B 1 or in fig. 1 and 2 of publication WO 2017153443.

The insertion rollers shown in figure 7 insert the base section 2 into the tobacco products 1 on the conveying section of the monorail and are suitable for the manufacturing process of the monorail. The roller machine in fig. 4 shows a double-track conveying section with two base sections and two tobacco products 1, respectively. The insertion roller 123 of fig. 4 has two transport sections which can be realized, for example, by mirroring the insertion roller 123 in fig. 7 on the left side wall 29 or a combination of the embodiment shown in fig. 7 with features from the german patent application with the reference 102017127593.2, in particular from fig. 1 to 4. Here, the two rails of the carriage push the products or segments outwards from the center of the drum. The insertion roller 123 can have different drive modes for the relative movement of the receiving

sections

11, 20, in particular an electric drive means or a cam-controlled drive, according to fig. 1 of DE 10349967 a 1.

According to another embodiment, the insertion roller can comprise the features of european patent application EP 1312270 a1, in particular the detection and extraction device according to fig. 1 and/or the pushing slide according to fig. 2 in particular.

The features of the embodiments listed can be replaced or combined with each other. For example, the receiving portion of the base segment 2 of fig. 3 can be integrated into the embodiment of the insertion roller 123 according to fig. 7.

Claims

1. Method for manufacturing an inductively heatable smoking product (1), wherein the method comprises the steps of:

-providing a tobacco product (1);

-providing a base segment (2), wherein the base segment (2) comprises a Longitudinal Axis (LA) and a cross section (QS) having an axial area moment of inertia oriented transverse to the Longitudinal Axis (LA);

-increasing the axial area moment of inertia of the cross section (QS) of the base segment (2), in particular by a shape change of the cross section, preferably by a blanking, stamping and/or rolling process, in particular deformation;

-positioning the shape-changed base segment (2) in the tobacco product (1) by moving the base segment (2) and the tobacco product (1) relative to each other, whereby the base segment (2) is inserted, in particular pressed, into the tobacco product (1).

2. Method for manufacturing an inductively heatable smoking product (1), wherein the method comprises the steps of:

-providing a tobacco product (1);

-providing a base material (2), wherein the base material (2) comprises a Longitudinal Axis (LA) and a cross section (QS) having an axial area moment of inertia oriented transversely to the Longitudinal Axis (LA);

-increasing the axial area moment of inertia of the cross section (QS) of the base material (2), in particular by a shape change of the cross section, preferably by a blanking, stamping and/or rolling process, in particular deformation;

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

-positioning one of the plurality of base segments (2) in the tobacco product (1) in such a way that the base segment (2) and the tobacco product (1) are moved relative to each other, whereby the base segment (2) is inserted, in particular pressed, into the tobacco product (1).

3. Method according to claim 1 or according to claim 2, characterized in that the increase of the axial area moment of inertia of the base segment (2) or of the base material (8, 31) is carried out along the Longitudinal Axis (LA) by means of a shape change of the cross section (QS) that remains substantially the same, in particular the same or partly different.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of positioning the base segment (2) in the tobacco product (1) comprises positioning the base segment (2) in a central section of the tobacco product (1), preferably with respect to the length and/or height and/or width and/or diameter of the tobacco product (1).

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross section (QS) of the base segment (2) formed by the shape change molds a positioning section (17) which ensures a positionally stable reception and/or shape-dependent centering of the base segment (2) in the positioning section (17).

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base segment (2) is guided during the positioning step on one or both sides, in particular over the entire surface.

7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the length of the base segment (2) is less than, greater than or equal to the length of the tobacco product (1).

8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base segment (2) has a first end (14) which is pointed and/or provided with a blade (16) and a second end (15) which is opposite to the first end (14), and in that the base segment (2) is arranged such that the first end (14) which is pointed and/or provided with a blade (16) is directed towards the tobacco product (1) before or when positioning.

9. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of tobacco products (1) and a plurality of base segments (2) are provided for positioning, wherein each of the base segments (2) is inserted into a respective tobacco product (1), in particular positioned and pressed in or can be pressed in before the tobacco product (1).

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the relative movement is effected in succession in the step of positioning, individually or in groups, each time the base segment (2) is pressed into the associated tobacco product (1), wherein in particular each group of base segments (2) is pressed simultaneously into the associated tobacco product (1) and comprises 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8 base segments (2).

11. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tobacco products (1) are arranged in a recess, in particular a groove (24), or the tobacco products (1) are arranged in a plurality of recesses, in particular grooves (24), and the step of fixing the one tobacco product (1) in a recess, in particular a groove (24), or the plurality of tobacco products (1) in a plurality of recesses, in particular grooves (24), is performed by the provision of one retaining element (21) or a plurality of retaining elements (21).

12. An inductively heatable smoking article manufactured according to the method of any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11.

13. Device (3) for producing inductively heatable tobacco products (1), comprising

A first receiving section (20) comprising at least one recess, in particular a groove (24), for receiving at least one tobacco product (1),

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

wherein the base segment (2) comprises a Longitudinal Axis (LA) and a cross-section (QS) arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis;

wherein the first receiving section (20) or parts of the first receiving section (20) and the second receiving section (11) or parts of the second receiving section (11) are configured to be movable relative to and towards each other, and wherein the first receiving section (20) and the second receiving section (11) are arranged such that at least one base segment (2) in a receiving portion (22) of the second receiving section (11) is insertable and positionable into at least one tobacco product (1) in the first receiving section (20) in a relative movement between the first receiving section (20) and the second receiving section (11) or parts of the receiving sections, characterized in that the device (3) comprises means for increasing the axial face (QS) of the cross-section (2) of the base segment (2), in particular by a shape change of the cross-section, preferably by a particularly deforming blanking and/or rolling process And a mechanism (119, 120) for integrating the moment of inertia.

14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the device (3) furthermore comprises a fixing element (21) for fixing at least one tobacco product (1) in at least one recess or groove of the first receiving section (20), wherein the fixing element (21) preferably also ensures the position of the tobacco product (1) in the recess or groove (24) during positioning of the base segment (2) in the tobacco product (1).

15. The device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the first receiving section (20) and the second receiving section (11) are arranged on a drum body (123), in particular rotatably drivable, of a drum machine (3) of the tobacco processing industry.

16. Device according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the at least one receptacle (22) of the second receiving section (11) comprises a bearing surface (212) for receiving at least one base segment (2), wherein a contour (12) of the receiving surface substantially corresponds to a cross section (QS) or contour (13) of the base segment (2) pressed into the tobacco product (1), wherein the base segment (2) or base segments (2) are preferably held by underpressure, by one clamping mechanism, by a plurality of clamping mechanisms and/or magnetically.

17. Device according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the insertion of the base segment (2) into the tobacco product (1) is effected by a relative linear movement between the first receiving section (20) and the second receiving section (11) or between at least one part of the first receiving section (20) and/or at least one part of the second receiving section (11), preferably in the direction of the longitudinal extension of at least one recess or groove (24) or in a direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of the at least one recess or groove (24).

18. The device according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that the device (3) comprises a plurality of first receiving sections (20) and a plurality of second receiving sections (11), wherein the first receiving sections each have at least one recess or groove (24), in particular 2, 3, 4 or 5 recesses or grooves (24) and the second receiving sections (11) each have at least one, in particular 2, 3, 4 or 5, receiving portions (22), wherein each paired relative movement of one first receiving section (20) and one second receiving section (11) takes place simultaneously or in succession and inserts, presses and/or positions a respective at least one base (2) into a respective at least one tobacco product (1).