EP4755208A1

EP4755208A1 - Method and apparatus for assembling smoking articles or aerosol generating articles

Info

Publication number: EP4755208A1
Application number: EP24217092.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: designation of the inventor has not yet been filed The
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2024-12-03
Filing date: 2024-12-03
Publication date: 2026-06-10

Abstract

A method of assembling smoking articles or aerosol generating articles, comprises: providing a N-length first rod (NA), wherein N is even and is equal or greater than four; cutting the N-length first rod (NA) into a first rod (A) of single length, (N-2)/2 first rods (2A) of double length and a further first rod (A) of single length arranged sequentially and aligned along a common axis (X-X); spacing the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods (2A) of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length from each other while maintaining said first rod (A) of single length, (N-2)/2 first rods (2A) of double length and further first rod (A) of single length aligned along the common axis (X-X); inserting N/2 double length second rods (2B) between the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods (2A) of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length so as to form a loose assembly; applying N/2 double length tipping papers (2C) around the double length second rods (2B) and at least partially around the first rod (A) of single length, at least partially around the first rods (2A) of double length and at least partially around the further first rod (A) of single length so as to form a N-length smoking article or N-length aerosol generating article; cutting each first rod (2A) of double length in two and cutting each double length second rod (2B) with the respective double length tipping paper (2C) in two so as to form N smoking articles or N aerosol generating articles.

Description

The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for assembling smoking articles or aerosol generating articles.
The smoking articles herein referred to include traditional burning cigarettes in which a sensorial medium is combusted or heated to provide flavour to the user. A traditional burning cigarette is a narrow cylinder containing a combustible material, typically tobacco such as a mixture of tobacco cut filler, that is rolled into paper for smoking. The cigarette is ignited at one end, causing it to smoulder, and the resulting smoke is inhaled via the opposite end. The cigarette may be provided with a filter attached to the rolled combustible material.
An aerosol-generating article or heat-not-burn product comprises an aerosol-generating substrate that is heated rather than combusted. The aerosol-generating substrate is, for instance, a tobacco-free herbaceous or plant-based cast sheet or a biodegradable fibre-based material. Typically, in such heated aerosol-generating articles, an aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from a heat source to a physically separate aerosol-generating substrate or material, which may be located in contact with, within, around or downstream of the heat source. During use of the aerosol-generating article, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-generating substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and are entrained in air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol.
Document EP3457872B1 discloses a method for assembling a tobacco industry product (smoking article) in which an endless rod is cut in a plurality of four length rods, wherein a four-length rod is made of four single length rods each destined to be part of a single smoking article. Each four-length rod is cut into first and second double-length rods. The first and second double-length rods are moved from a first configuration, in which they are axially aligned, to a second configuration, in which the first and second double-length rods are out of axial alignment and the axes of the first and second double-length rods are parallel and spaced apart and remote ends of the first and second double-length rods are substantially aligned with each other. The first and second double-length rods are cut into single-length rods and one further component is joined to the single-length rods so as to form a tobacco industry product assembly. The tobacco industry product assembly is cut at a mid-point of the further component so as to form two single tobacco industry products.
It would be desirable to have a method and an apparatus for assembling smoking articles or aerosol generating articles which allow to improve the quality of said smoking or aerosol generating articles.
It would be desirable to have a method and an apparatus able to achieve the above stated goal without compromising the manufacturing rate of these articles.
It would be desirable to have a method and an apparatus which allow to reduce the speed of at least some conveyors and/or devices of the apparatus while maintaining a high manufacturing rate of the final smoking or aerosol generating articles.
It would be particularly desirable to have a method and an apparatus capable to guarantee an accurate and safe application of tipping paper joining two parts of the smoking article, typically but not exclusively a filter and a plug comprising a burning substrate or an aerosol generating substrates.
The present disclosure relates to a method of assembling smoking articles or aerosol generating articles. Each smoking article or aerosol generating article comprises a first rod (A) of single length, a second rod of single length and a tipping paper applied around and joining together the first rod and the second rod. The method comprising: providing a N-length first rod (NA), wherein N is even and is equal or greater than four; cutting the N-length first rod (NA) into a first rod (A) of single length, (N-2)/2 first rods of double length and a further first rod (A) of single length arranged sequentially and aligned along a common axis; spacing the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length from each other while maintaining said first rod (A) of single length, (N-2)/2 first rods of double length and further first rod (A) of single length aligned along the common axis; inserting N/2 double length second rods between the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length so as to form a loose assembly; applying N/2 double length tipping papers around the double length second rods and at least partially around the first rod (A) of single length, at least partially around the first rods of double length and at least partially around the further first rod (A) of single length so as to form a N-length smoking article or N-length aerosol generating article; cutting each first rod (2A) of double length in two and cutting each double length second rod with the respective double length tipping paper in two so as to form N smoking articles or N aerosol generating articles.
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for assembling smoking articles or aerosol generating articles, wherein each smoking article or aerosol generating article comprises a first rod (A) of single length, a second rod of single length and a tipping paper applied around and joining together the first rod and the second rod. The apparatus is configured to carry out a method of assembling smoking articles or aerosol generating articles. Said method comprising: providing a N-length first rod (NA), wherein N is even and is equal or greater than four; cutting the N-length first rod (NA) into a first rod (A) of single length, (N-2)/2 first rods of double length and a further first rod (A) of single length arranged sequentially and aligned along a common axis; spacing the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length from each other while maintaining said first rod (A) of single length, (N-2)/2 first rods of double length and further first rod (A) of single length aligned along the common axis; inserting N/2 double length second rods between the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length so as to form a loose assembly; applying N/2 double length tipping papers around the double length second rods and at least partially around the first rod (A) of single length, at least partially around the first rods of double length and at least partially around the further first rod (A) of single length so as to form a N-length smoking article or N-length aerosol generating article; cutting each first rod (2A) of double length in two and cutting each double length second rod with the respective double length tipping paper in two so as to form N smoking articles or N aerosol generating articles.
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for assembling smoking articles or aerosol generating articles, wherein each smoking article or aerosol generating article comprises a first rod (A) of single length, a second rod of single length and a tipping paper applied around and joining together the first rod and the second rod. The apparatus comprises: a cutting device configured to cut each of N-length first rods (NA) into a first rod (A) of single length, (N-2)/2 first rods of double length and a further first rod (A) of single length arranged sequentially and aligned along a common axis, wherein N is even and is equal or greater than four; a separating device operatively placed downstream of the cutting device and configured to axially space from each other the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length resulting from each N-length first rod (NA) while maintaining said first rod (A) of single length, (N-2)/2 first rods of double length and further first rod (A) of single length aligned along the common axis; an inserting device operatively placed downstream of the separating device and configured to insert N/2 double length second rods between the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length resulting from each N-length first rod (NA) so as to form loose assemblies; an application device operatively placed downstream of the inserting device and configured to attach an extremity of double length tipping paper on a side of the double length second rods, of the first rod (A) of single length, of the first rods of double length and of the further double length second rod of each loose assembly; a wrapping device operatively placed downstream of the application device and configured to wrap the double length tipping papers around the double length second rods, at least partially around the first rod (A) of single length, at least partially around the first rods of double length and at least partially around the further first rod (A) of single length so as to form a N-length smoking article or N-length aerosol generating article; a cutting assembly operatively placed downstream of the wrapping device and configured to cut each first rod (2A) of double length in two and to cut each double length second rod with the respective double length tipping paper in two so as to form N smoking articles or N aerosol generating articles.
The present disclosure relates to a method of assembling smoking articles or aerosol generating articles. Each smoking article or aerosol generating article comprises a first rod (A) of single length, a second rod of single length and a tipping paper applied around and joining together the first rod and the second rod. The method is carried out through an apparatus for assembling smoking articles or aerosol generating articles. Said apparatus comprises: a cutting device configured to cut each of N-length first rods (NA) into a first rod (A) of single length, (N-2)/2 first rods of double length and a further first rod (A) of single length arranged sequentially and aligned along a common axis, wherein N is even and is equal or greater than four; a separating device operatively placed downstream of the cutting device and configured to axially space from each other the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length resulting from each N-length first rod (NA) while maintaining said first rod (A) of single length, (N-2)/2 first rods of double length and further first rod (A) of single length aligned along the common axis; an inserting device operatively placed downstream of the separating device and configured to insert N/2 double length second rods between the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length resulting from each N-length first rod (NA) so as to form loose assemblies; an application device operatively placed downstream of the inserting device and configured to attach an extremity of double length tipping paper on a side of the double length second rods, of the first rod (A) of single length, of the first rods of double length and of the further double length second rod of each loose assembly; a wrapping device operatively placed downstream of the application device and configured to wrap the double length tipping papers around the double length second rods, at least partially around the first rod (A) of single length, at least partially around the first rods of double length and at least partially around the further first rod (A) of single length so as to form a N-length smoking article or N-length aerosol generating article; a cutting assembly operatively placed downstream of the wrapping device and configured to cut each first rod (2A) of double length in two and to cut each double length second rod with the respective double length tipping paper in two so as to form N smoking articles or N aerosol generating articles.
The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating article assembled through said method of assembling smoking articles or aerosol generating articles and/or by said apparatus for assembling smoking articles or aerosol generating articles.
The inventor found that the disclosed method and apparatus allow to apply the tipping papers with a greater accuracy, for instance with respect to EP3457872B1 , while maintaining a high output rate of the smoking or aerosol generating articles manufactured by the apparatus.
Indeed, EP3457872B1 applies one tipping paper on each double length tobacco industry product assembly, while the double length tobacco industry product assemblies are arranged and conveyed one after the other along a conveying direction. The tipping papers are applied once at a time and the conveying speed of the double length tobacco industry product assemblies along the conveying direction should be high to maintain a desired output rate. This may be detrimental to the accuracy and quality of the application of tipping papers and therefore of the final smoking or aerosol generating articles.
Instead, according to the disclosed method and apparatus, more than one tipping paper is applied in parallel to the loose assemblies and this allows to decrease the conveying speed and the speed of application of the tipping papers and to improve the accuracy of the application and of the final smoking or aerosol generating articles.
N may be equal to four, six or eight.
According to embodiments, the N-length first rods (NA) are obtained by cutting a first endless rod in a plurality of said N-length first rods (NA).
According to embodiments, the double length second rods are obtained by cutting a second endless rod in a plurality of said double length second rods.
According to embodiments, the N-length first rod (NA) comprises N burning substrates or N aerosol generating substrates and the double length second rod comprises filter material.
According to embodiments, the first rod (A) of single length comprises a plurality of different plugs wrapped in a wrapping paper, wherein one of the plugs comprises an aerosol generating substrate.
According to embodiments, the different plugs in each first rod (A) of single length are ordered according to a sequence and the N-length first rod (NA) is formed by N first rods of single length in which one N first rod (A) of single length is oriented according to the sequence and is followed and/or preceded by another N first rod (A) of single length oriented according to a mirrored sequence.
According to embodiments, a N-length second rod is provided, wherein N is even and is equal or greater than four and the N-length second rod is cut into said N/2 double length second rods arranged sequentially and aligned along a common axis.
According to embodiments, the N/2 double length second rods are spaced from each other while maintaining said N/2 double length second rods aligned along the common axis in order to then insert said N/2 double length second rods simultaneously between the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length so as to form the loose assembly.
According to embodiments, the second rod of single length comprises a filter plug or different filter plugs wrapped in a filter paper.
According to embodiments, the different filter plugs in each second rod of single length are ordered according to a sequence and wherein the N-length second rod is formed by N second rods of single length in which each N second rod of single length is oriented according to the sequence and is followed and/or preceded by another N second rod of single length oriented according to a mirrored sequence.
The inventor found that the disclosed method and apparatus are particularly effective and beneficial when applied to the manufacturing of aerosol-generating articles or heat-not-burn products in which the first rod (A) of single length comprises a plurality of different plugs, including the aerosol generating substrate, wrapped in the wrapping paper and the second rod of single length comprises the filter plug or different filter plugs wrapped in the filter paper.
According to some embodiments, cutting the N-length first rod (NA) into the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods (2A) of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length is carried out in a cutting device provided with N/2 knives. The N/2 knives may cut the N-length first rod (NA) simultaneously.
The cutting device may comprise: a cutting conveyor provided with a plurality of seats, each seat extending along a respective axis, the axes of the seats being parallel to each other, the cutting conveyor moving along a conveying direction perpendicular to the axes, each seat being sized to accommodate one N-length first rod (NA).
The cutting device may comprise: a first knife facing the plurality of seats and axially spaced from a first axial end of the seats by a single length of the first rod; a second knife facing the plurality of seats and axially spaced from a second axial end of the seats by a single length of the first rod; N/2-2 third knives axially interposed between the first knife and the second knife and each axially spaced from each other or from the first knife or the second knife by a double length of the first rod.
The inventor found that by employing N/2 knives (with N even and equal or greater than four) to cut the N-length first rod (NA) instead of a single knife like in EP3457872B1 , a wear of the knives may be reduced. Furthermore, as for the application of tipping papers, the conveying speed at a cutting station may be reduced by a factor N/2 while the desired output rate is maintained.
According to some embodiments, the cutting conveyor is a cutting drum rotating about an own main axis and the axes of the seats are parallel to the main axis. The first knife, second knife and third knives may be rotating blades having edges close to a side surface of the cutting drum.
The separating device may comprise a separating conveyor provided with a plurality of seats, each seat extending along a respective axis, the axes of the seats being parallel to each other. The separating conveyor may move along a conveying direction perpendicular to the axes. Each seat may be sized to accommodate the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length axially spaced from each other and resulting from each N-length first rod (NA). The separating conveyor may comprise sections axially movable to space the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length.
According to some embodiments, the separating device is a separating drum.
The inserting device may comprise: an inserting conveyor provided with a plurality of seats, each seat extending along a respective axis, the axes of the seats being parallel to each other. The inserting conveyor may move along a conveying direction perpendicular to the axes. Each seat may be sized to accommodate one loose assembly.
The inserting device may also comprise: a double length second rods conveyor operatively coupled to the inserting conveyor and configured to feed double length second rods to the inserting conveyor.
According to some embodiments, the inserting conveyor is an inserting drum rotating about an own main axis and the axes of the seats are parallel to the main axis.
According to some embodiments, the double length second rods conveyor comprises a plurality of seats, each seat extending along a respective axis, the axes of the seats being parallel to each other. The double length second rods conveyor may move along a conveying direction perpendicular to the axes. Each seat may be sized to accommodate N/2 double length second rods aligned along a common axis and spaced from each other.
According to some embodiments, the double length second rods conveyor is a double length second rods drum. A side surface of the double length second rods drum may face a side surface of the inserting drum.
According to some embodiments, the application device comprises: an application conveyor provided with a plurality of seats, each seat extending along a respective axis, the axes of the seats being parallel to each other. The application conveyor may move along a conveying direction perpendicular to the axes. Each seat may be sized to accommodate one loose assembly.
According to some embodiments, the application device comprises: a double length tipping papers conveyor operatively coupled to the application conveyor and configured to feed double length tipping papers to the application conveyor.
According to some embodiments, the application conveyor is an application drum rotating about an own main axis. The axes of the seats may be parallel to the main axis.
According to some embodiments, the double length tipping papers conveyor comprises a plurality of retaining areas arranged in groups of N/2 areas each. The areas of each group may be aligned along a respective axis. The axes of the groups may be parallel to each other. The double length tipping papers conveyor may move along a conveying direction perpendicular to the axes. Each area may be configured to retain a double length tipping paper.
According to some embodiments, the double length tipping papers conveyor is a double length tipping papers drum rotating about an own main axis and the axes of the groups are parallel to the main axis. A side surface of the double length tipping papers drum may face a side surface of the application drum.
According to some embodiments, the double length tipping papers are applied simultaneously.
The inventor found that, if N/2 tipping papers are applied simultaneously (with N even and equal or greater than four), the conveying speed and the speed of application of the tipping papers may be reduced by a factor N/2 while the desired output rate is maintained.
According to some embodiments, applying the double length tipping papers comprises: attaching extremities of the double length tipping papers on a side of each double length second rod, of the first rod (A) of single length, of the first rods of double length and of the further first rod (A) of single length to provide the loose assembly with double length tipping papers.
Applying the double length tipping papers may comprise: making the loose assembly provided with the double length tipping papers roll against a steady surface so that the double length tipping papers wrap around the double length second rods, the first rod (A) of single length, the first rods of double length and the further the first rod (A) of single length. Attaching the extremities of the double length tipping papers may comprise: carrying the loose assemblies in seats on an application conveyor, wherein the common axis of the loose assemblies are transverse to a conveying direction of the application conveyor.
Attaching the extremities of the double length tipping papers may comprise: carrying the double length tipping papers on a double length tipping papers conveyor.
According to some embodiments, the double length tipping papers are arranged in groups of N/2 areas each and the N/2 double length tipping papers of each group are aligned along a direction perpendicular to a conveying direction of the double length tipping papers conveyor.
Attaching the extremities of the double length tipping papers may comprise: transferring each group of N/2 double length tipping papers from the double length tipping papers conveyor to the application conveyor.
According to some embodiments, attaching the extremities of the double length tipping papers comprises: attaching the extremities of each group of N/2 double length tipping papers to a respective loose assembly at a transfer zone where the application conveyor and the double length tipping papers conveyor face each other.
The extremity and an opposite extremity of each double length tipping paper may be provided with adhesive to attach said extremity of the double length tipping paper to the loose assembly and to attach the opposite extremity to said loose assembly once the double length tipping paper is wrapped.
The inventor found that, since the conveying speed and the speed of application of the tipping papers are decreased, an impact of the extremities of the double length tipping papers on the loose assembly caused by the relative motion of the application conveyor and of the double length tipping papers conveyor is less severe and this ensures a better attachment of said extremities.
The inventor also found that, since a relative speed between the loose assembly provided with the double length tipping papers and the steady surface is reduced, the risk that the extremities of the double length tipping papers may detach from the loose assembly due to friction during rolling are reduced and thus an improper wrapping, for instance with formation of wrinkles, may be prevented. This may also prevent or at least reduce occurrences of waste creation and/or machine jamming and downtime.
The inventor also found that the reduced relative speed between the loose assembly provided with the double length tipping papers and the steady surface assures a proper and stable attachment of the opposite extremity of the double length tipping papers to the loose assembly once that the double length tipping paper is wrapped.
According to some embodiments, making the loose assembly provided with the double length tipping papers roll against the steady surface comprises: carrying the loose assemblies provided with the double length tipping papers in seats on a wrapping conveyor, wherein the common axis of the loose assemblies are transverse to a conveying direction of the wrapping conveyor. Making the loose assembly provided with the double length tipping papers roll against the steady surface may comprise: moving the wrapping conveyor close to the steady surface.
According to some embodiments, the wrapping device comprises: a wrapping conveyor provided with a plurality of seats, each seat extending along a respective axis and the axes of the seats being parallel to each other. Each seat may be sized to accommodate a loose assembly with double length tipping papers. The wrapping conveyor may move along a conveying direction perpendicular to the axes.
According to some embodiments, the wrapping device comprises: a steady element having a steady surface and arranged close to the wrapping conveyor so that the loose assemblies carried by the wrapping conveyor roll against the steady surface.
According to some embodiments, the wrapping conveyor is a wrapping drum rotating about an own main axis and the axes of the seats are parallel to the main axis. A side surface of the wrapping drum may face the steady surface.
According to some embodiments, cutting each first rod (2A) of double length in two and cutting each double length second rod with the respective double length tipping paper in two comprises: first cutting each first rod (2A) of double length through a first cutting device provided with (N-2)/2 knives and then cutting each double length second rod through a second cutting device provided with N/2 knives.
According to some embodiments, the cutting assembly comprises a first cutting device comprising: a first cutting conveyor provided with a plurality of seats, each seat extending along a respective axis and the axes of the seats being parallel to each other. Each seat may be being sized to accommodate the N-length smoking article or N-length aerosol generating article. According to some embodiments, the first cutting device comprises: (N-2)/2 first knives facing the plurality of seats and each placed at a midpoint of each first rod (2A) of double length to cut each N-length smoking article or N-length aerosol generating article into N/2 double length smoking article or N/2 double length aerosol generating article.
According to some embodiments, the first cutting conveyor is a first cutting drum. The first knives may be rotating blades having edges close to a side surface of the first cutting drum.
According to some embodiments, the cutting assembly further comprises a second cutting device comprising: a second cutting conveyor provided with a plurality of seats, each seat extending along a respective axis and the axes of the seats being parallel to each other. Each seat may be sized to accommodate the N/2 double length smoking articles or N/2 double length aerosol generating articles. According to some embodiments, the second cutting device comprises: N/2 second knives facing the plurality of seats and each placed at a midpoint of each double length second rod to cut each N/2 double length smoking articles or N/2 double length aerosol generating articles into N smoking articles or N aerosol generating articles.
According to some embodiments, the second cutting conveyor is a second cutting drum. The second knives may be rotating blades having edges close to a side surface of the second cutting drum.
According to other embodiments, cutting each first rod (2A) of double length in two and cutting each double length second rod with the respective double length tipping paper in two comprises: first cutting each first rod (2A) of double length through a first cutting device provided with (N-2)/2 knives; then aligning resulting N/2 double length smoking articles or aerosol generating articles along a conveying direction; then cutting each double length second rod through a second cutting device provided with one knife. Once aligned, terminal ends of the resulting N/2 double length smoking articles or aerosol generating articles may be aligned along lines parallel to the conveying direction.
According to some embodiments, the cutting assembly comprises a first cutting device comprising: a first cutting conveyor provided with a plurality of seats, each seat extending along a respective axis and the axes of the seats being parallel to each other. Each seat may be being sized to accommodate the N-length smoking article or N-length aerosol generating article. According to some embodiments, the first cutting device comprises: (N-2)/2 first knives facing the plurality of seats and each placed at a midpoint of each first rod (2A) of double length to cut each N-length smoking article or N-length aerosol generating article into N/2 double length smoking article or N/2 double length aerosol generating article.
According to some embodiments, the cutting assembly comprises: an aligning device configured to align all the N/2 double length smoking articles or N/2 aerosol generating articles along a conveying direction with their axes perpendicular to the conveying direction.
The aligning device may comprise a turning mechanism configured to rotate half of the N/2 double length smoking articles or N/2 aerosol generating articles into alignment with the other half of N/2 double length smoking articles or N/2 aerosol generating articles.
According to some embodiments, the cutting assembly comprises: a second cutting device comprising: a second cutting conveyor provided with a plurality of seats, each seat extending along a respective axis and the axes of the seats being parallel to each other. Each seat may be sized to accommodate one double length smoking article or double length aerosol generating articles. The second cutting conveyor may be a second cutting drum. The one knife may be a rotating blade having an edge close to a side surface of the second cutting drum.
According to some embodiments, the second cutting device comprises: one knife facing the plurality of seats and placed at a midpoint of each double length second rod to cut each double length smoking article or double length aerosol generating article into N smoking articles or N aerosol generating articles.
According to other embodiments, cutting each first rod (2A) of double length in two and cutting each double length second rod with the respective double length tipping paper in two comprises: cutting each first rod (2A) of double length and each double length second rod through a single cutting device provided with N-1 knives.
According to some embodiments, the cutting assembly comprises a single cutting device comprising: a single cutting conveyor provided with a plurality of seats, each seat extending along a respective axis and the axes of the seats being parallel to each other. Each seat may be sized to accommodate the N-length smoking article or N-length aerosol generating article.
According to some embodiments, the single cutting device comprises: (N-1) knives facing the plurality of seats and each placed at a midpoint of each first rod (2A) of double length to cut each N-length smoking article or N-length aerosol generating article into N smoking articles or N aerosol generating articles.
According to some embodiments, the single cutting conveyor is a single cutting drum. The (N-1) knives may be rotating blades having edges close to a side surface of the single cutting drum.
As used in the present description, the term "single length" is referred to the length of a respective element (e.g. first rod, second rod, tipping paper) in one single final smoking article or aerosol generating article. Therefore, "double length" and "N-length" means an element having an overall length that is, respectively, two times or N-times its length in the single final smoking article or aerosol generating article.
As used in the present description, the "first rod" is a semi-finished product that may be a combined rod made of one or more plugs or segments.
As used in the present description, the "second rod" is a semi-finished product that may be a combined rod made of one or more plugs or segments and that is different from the "first rod".
As used in the present description, the "tipping paper" is a paper used to join the "first rod" to the "second rod", that encircles the "first rod" and the "second rod" and that may extend partially or totally along a length of the "first rod" and of the "second rod".
The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.
EX1. A method of assembling smoking articles or aerosol generating articles, each smoking article or aerosol generating article comprising a first rod (A) of single length, a second rod of single length and a tipping paper applied around and joining together the first rod and the second rod, the method comprising:

providing a N-length first rod (NA), wherein N is even and is equal or greater than four;
cutting the N-length first rod (NA) into a first rod (A) of single length, (N-2)/2 first rods of double length and a further first rod (A) of single length arranged sequentially and aligned along a common axis;
spacing the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length from each other while maintaining said first rod (A) of single length, (N-2)/2 first rods of double length and further first rod (A) of single length aligned along the common axis;
inserting N/2 double length second rods between the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length so as to form a loose assembly;
applying N/2 double length tipping papers around the double length second rods and at least partially around the first rod (A) of single length, at least partially around the first rods of double length and at least partially around the further first rod (A) of single length so as to form a N-length smoking article or N-length aerosol generating article;
cutting each first rod (2A) of double length in two and cutting each double length second rod with the respective double length tipping paper in two so as to form N smoking articles or N aerosol generating articles.

EX2. The method according to EX1, wherein the double length tipping papers are applied simultaneously.
EX3. The method according to EX1 or EX2, wherein cutting the N-length first rod (NA) into the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods (2A) of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length is carried out in a cutting device provided with N/2 knives.
EX4. The method according to EX3, wherein the N/2 knives cut the N-length first rod (NA) simultaneously.
EX5. The method according to any of EX1 to EX4, wherein applying the double length tipping papers comprises: attaching extremities of the double length tipping papers on a side of each double length second rod, of the first rod (A) of single length, of the first rods of double length and of the further first rod (A) of single length to provide the loose assembly with double length tipping papers.
EX6. The method according to EX5, wherein applying the double length tipping papers comprises: making the loose assembly provided with the double length tipping papers roll against a steady surface so that the double length tipping papers wrap around the double length second rods, the first rod (A) of single length, the first rods of double length and the further the first rod (A) of single length.
EX7. The method according to EX5 or EX6, wherein attaching the extremities of the double length tipping papers comprises: carrying the loose assemblies in seats on an application conveyor, wherein the common axis of the loose assemblies are transverse to a conveying direction of the application conveyor.
EX8. The method according to EX5, EX6 or EX7, wherein attaching the extremities of the double length tipping papers comprises: carrying the double length tipping papers on a double length tipping papers conveyor.
EX9. The method according to EX8, wherein the double length tipping papers are arranged in groups of N/2 areas each and the N/2 double length tipping papers of each group are aligned along a direction perpendicular to a conveying direction of the double length tipping papers conveyor.
EX10. The method according to EX8 or EX9 and according to EX7, wherein attaching the extremities of the double length tipping papers comprises: transferring each group of N/2 double length tipping papers from the double length tipping papers conveyor to the application conveyor.
EX11. The method according to EX10, wherein attaching the extremities of the double length tipping papers comprises: attaching the extremities of each group of N/2 double length tipping papers to a respective loose assembly at a transfer zone where the application conveyor and the double length tipping papers conveyor face each other.
EX12. The method according to any of EX6 to EX11, wherein making the loose assembly provided with the double length tipping papers roll against the steady surface comprises: carrying the loose assemblies provided with the double length tipping papers in seats on a wrapping conveyor, wherein the common axis of the loose assemblies are transverse to a conveying direction of the wrapping conveyor.
EX13. The method according to EX12, wherein making the loose assembly provided with the double length tipping papers roll against the steady surface comprises: moving the wrapping conveyor close to the steady surface.
EX14. The method according to any of EX5 to EX13, wherein the extremity and an opposite extremity of each double length tipping paper are provided with adhesive to attach said extremity of the double length tipping paper to the loose assembly and to attach the opposite extremity to said loose assembly once the double length tipping paper is wrapped.
EX15. The method according to any of EX1 to EX14, wherein cutting each first rod (2A) of double length in two and cutting each double length second rod with the respective double length tipping paper in two comprises: first cutting each first rod (2A) of double length through a first cutting device provided with (N-2)/2 knives and then cutting each double length second rod through a second cutting device provided with N/2 knives.
EX16. The method according to any of EX1 to EX14, wherein cutting each first rod (2A) of double length in two and cutting each double length second rod with the respective double length tipping paper in two comprises: first cutting each first rod (2A) of double length through a first cutting device provided with (N-2)/2 knives.
EX17. The method according to EX16, wherein cutting each first rod (2A) of double length in two and cutting each double length second rod with the respective double length tipping paper in two further comprises: aligning resulting N/2 double length smoking articles or aerosol generating articles along a conveying direction.
EX18. The method according to EX17, wherein cutting each first rod (2A) of double length in two and cutting each double length second rod with the respective double length tipping paper in two further comprises: cutting each double length second rod through a second cutting device provided with one knife.
EX19. The method according to EX17 or EX18, wherein, once aligned, terminal ends of the resulting N/2 double length smoking articles or aerosol generating articles are aligned along lines parallel to the conveying direction.
EX20. The method according to any of EX1 to EX14, wherein cutting each first rod (2A) of double length in two and cutting each double length second rod with the respective double length tipping paper in two comprises: cutting each first rod (2A) of double length and each double length second rod through a single cutting device provided with N-1 knives.
EX21. The method according to any of EX1 to EX20, wherein N is equal to four, six or eight.
EX22. The method according to any of EX1 to EX21, wherein the N-length first rod (NA) comprises N burning substrates or N aerosol generating substrates and the double length second rod comprises filter material.
EX23. The method according to any of EX1 to EX21, wherein the first rod (A) of single length comprises a plurality of different plugs wrapped in a wrapping paper, wherein one of the plugs comprises an aerosol generating substrate.
EX24. The method according to EX23, wherein the different plugs in each first rod (A) of single length are ordered according to a sequence and wherein the N-length first rod (NA) is formed by N first rods of single length in which one N first rod (A) of single length is oriented according to the sequence and is followed and/or preceded by another N first rod (A) of single length oriented according to a mirrored sequence.
EX25. The method according to any of EX1 to EX24, comprising:

providing a N-length second rod, wherein N is even and is equal or greater than four;
cutting the N-length second rod into said N/2 double length second rods arranged sequentially and aligned along a common axis.

EX26. The method according to EX25, further comprising:
spacing the N/2 double length second rods from each other while maintaining said N/2 double length second rods aligned along the common axis in order to then insert said N/2 double length second rods simultaneously between the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length so as to form the loose assembly.
EX27. The method according to any of EX1 to EX26, wherein the second rod of single length comprises a filter plug or different filter plugs wrapped in a filter paper.
EX28. The method according to EX27 when according to EX26, wherein the different filter plugs in each second rod of single length are ordered according to a sequence and wherein the N-length second rod is formed by N second rods of single length in which each N second rod of single length is oriented according to the sequence and is followed and/or preceded by another N second rod of single length oriented according to a mirrored sequence.
EX29. An apparatus for assembling smoking articles or aerosol generating articles, each smoking article or aerosol generating article comprising a first rod (A) of single length, a second rod of single length and a tipping paper applied around and joining together the first rod and the second rod.
EX30. The apparatus according to EX29, wherein said apparatus is configured to carry out the method according to any of EX1 to EX28.
EX31. The apparatus according to EX29 or EX30, comprising:

a cutting device configured to cut each of N-length first rods (NA) into a first rod (A) of single length, (N-2)/2 first rods (2A) of double length and a further first rod (A) of single length arranged sequentially and aligned along a common axis, wherein N is even and is equal or greater than four;
a separating device operatively placed downstream of the cutting device and configured to axially space from each other the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods (2A) of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length resulting from each N-length first rod (NA) while maintaining said first rod (A) of single length, (N-2)/2 first rods (2A) of double length and further first rod (A) of single length aligned along the common axis;
an inserting device operatively placed downstream of the separating device and configured to insert N/2 double length second rods (2B) between the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods (2A) of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length resulting from each N-length first rod (NA) so as to form loose assemblies;
an application device operatively placed downstream of the inserting device and configured to attach an extremity of double length tipping paper (2C) on a side of the double length second rods (2B), of the first rod (A) of single length, of the first rods (2A) of double length and of the further first rod (A) of single length of each loose assembly;
a wrapping device operatively placed downstream of the application device and configured to wrap the double length tipping papers (2C) around the double length second rods (2B), at least partially around the first rod (A) of single length, at least partially around the first rods (2A) of double length and at least partially around the further first rod (A) of single length so as to form a N-length smoking article or N-length aerosol generating article;
a cutting assembly operatively placed downstream of the wrapping device and configured to cut each first rod (2A) of double length in two and to cut each double length second rod (2B) with the respective double length tipping paper (2C) in two so as to form N smoking articles or N aerosol generating articles.

EX32. The apparatus according to EX31, wherein the cutting device comprises:

a cutting conveyor provided with a plurality of seats, each seat extending along a respective axis, the axes of the seats being parallel to each other, the cutting conveyor moving along a conveying direction perpendicular to the axes, each seat being sized to accommodate one N-length first rod (NA);
a first knife facing the plurality of seats and axially spaced from a first axial end of the seats by a single length of the first rod;
a second knife facing the plurality of seats and axially spaced from a second axial end of the seats by a single length of the first rod;
N/2-2 third knives axially interposed between the first knife and the second knife and each axially spaced from each other or from the first knife or the second knife by a double length of the first rod.

EX33. The apparatus according to EX32, wherein the cutting conveyor is a cutting drum rotating about an own main axis and the axes of the seats are parallel to the main axis.
EX34. The apparatus according to EX33 or EX34, wherein the first knife, second knife and third knives are rotating blades having edges close to a side surface of the cutting drum.
EX35. The apparatus according to any of EX31 to EX34, wherein the separating device comprises a separating conveyor provided with a plurality of seats, each seat extending along a respective axis, the axes of the seats being parallel to each other, the separating conveyor moving along a conveying direction perpendicular to the axes; each seat being sized to accommodate the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods (2A) of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length axially spaced from each other and resulting from each N-length first rod (NA); the separating conveyor comprising sections axially movable to space the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods (2A) of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length.
EX36. The apparatus according to EX35, wherein the separating device is a separating drum.
EX37. The apparatus according to any of EX31 to EX36, wherein the inserting device comprises:

an inserting conveyor provided with a plurality of seats, each seat extending along a respective axis, the axes of the seats being parallel to each other, the inserting conveyor moving along a conveying direction perpendicular to the axes; each seat being sized to accommodate one loose assembly;
a double length second rods conveyor operatively coupled to the inserting conveyor and configured to feed double length second rods to the inserting conveyor.

EX38. The apparatus according to EX37, wherein the inserting conveyor is an inserting drum rotating about an own main axis and the axes of the seats are parallel to the main axis.
EX39. The apparatus according to EX38, wherein the double length second rods conveyor comprises a plurality of seats, each seat extending along a respective axis, the axes of the seats being parallel to each other, the double length second rods conveyor moving along a conveying direction perpendicular to the axes; each seat being sized to accommodate N/2 double length second rods aligned along a common axis and spaced from each other.
EX40. The apparatus according to EX38 or EX39, wherein the double length second rods conveyor is a double length second rods drum and a side surface of the double length second rods drum faces a side surface of the inserting drum.
EX41. The apparatus according to any of EX31 to EX40, wherein the application device comprises:

an application conveyor provided with a plurality of seats, each seat extending along a respective axis, the axes of the seats being parallel to each other, the application conveyor moving along a conveying direction perpendicular to the axes; each seat being sized to accommodate one loose assembly;
a double length tipping papers conveyor operatively coupled to the application conveyor and configured to feed double length tipping papers to the application conveyor.

EX42. The apparatus according to any of EX31 to EX41, wherein the application conveyor is an application drum rotating about an own main axis and the axes of the seats are parallel to the main axis.
EX43. The apparatus according to EX42, wherein the double length tipping papers conveyor comprises a plurality of retaining areas arranged in groups of N/2 areas each, the areas of each group being aligned along a respective axis, the axes of the groups being parallel to each other, the double length tipping papers conveyor moving along a conveying direction perpendicular to the axes; each area being configured to retain a double length tipping paper.
EX44. The apparatus according to EX43, wherein the double length tipping papers conveyor is a double length tipping papers drum rotating about an own main axis and the axes of the groups are parallel to the main axis, wherein a side surface of the double length tipping papers drum faces a side surface of the application drum.
EX45. The apparatus according to any of EX31 to EX44, wherein the wrapping device comprises:

a wrapping conveyor provided with a plurality of seats, each seat extending along a respective axis and the axes of the seats being parallel to each other, each seat being sized to accommodate a loose assembly with double length tipping papers, the wrapping conveyor moving along a conveying direction perpendicular to the axes;
a steady element having a steady surface and arranged close to the wrapping conveyor so that the loose assemblies carried by the wrapping conveyor roll against the steady surface.

EX46. The apparatus according to EX45, wherein the wrapping conveyor is a wrapping drum rotating about an own main axis and the axes of the seats are parallel to the main axis, wherein a side surface of the wrapping drum faces the steady surface.
EX47. The apparatus according to any of EX31 to EX46, wherein the cutting assembly comprises a first cutting device comprising:

a first cutting conveyor provided with a plurality of seats, each seat extending along a respective axis and the axes of the seats being parallel to each other, each seat being sized to accommodate the N-length smoking article or N-length aerosol generating article;
(N-2)/2 first knives facing the plurality of seats and each placed at a midpoint of each first rod (2A) of double length to cut each N-length smoking article or N-length aerosol generating article into N/2 double length smoking article or N/2 double length aerosol generating article.

EX48. The apparatus according to EX47, wherein the cutting assembly further comprises a second cutting device comprising:

a second cutting conveyor provided with a plurality of seats, each seat extending along a respective axis and the axes of the seats being parallel to each other, each seat being sized to accommodate the N/2 double length smoking articles or N/2 double length aerosol generating articles;
N/2 second knives facing the plurality of seats and each placed at a midpoint of each double length second rod to cut each N/2 double length smoking articles or N/2 double length aerosol generating articles into N smoking articles or N aerosol generating articles.

EX49. The apparatus according to EX48, wherein the first cutting conveyor is a first cutting drum, wherein the first knives are rotating blades having edges close to a side surface of the first cutting drum; wherein the second cutting conveyor is a second cutting drum, wherein the second knives are rotating blades having edges close to a side surface of the second cutting drum.
EX50. The apparatus according to EX47, wherein the cutting assembly further comprises:

an aligning device configured to align all the N/2 double length smoking articles or N/2 aerosol generating articles along a conveying direction with their axes perpendicular to the conveying direction;
a second cutting device comprising: a second cutting conveyor provided with a plurality of seats, each seat extending along a respective axis and the axes of the seats being parallel to each other, each seat being sized to accommodate one double length smoking article or double length aerosol generating articles; one knife facing the plurality of seats and placed at a midpoint of each double length second rod to cut each double length smoking article or double length aerosol generating article into N smoking articles or N aerosol generating articles.

EX51. The apparatus according to EX50, wherein the aligning device comprises a turning mechanism configured to rotate half of the N/2 double length smoking articles or N/2 aerosol generating articles into alignment with the other half of N/2 double length smoking articles or N/2 aerosol generating articles.
EX52. The apparatus according to EX50 or EX51, wherein the second cutting conveyor is a second cutting drum, wherein the one knife is a rotating blade having an edge close to a side surface of the second cutting drum.
EX53. The apparatus according to any of EX31 to EX46, wherein the cutting assembly comprises a single cutting device comprising:

a single cutting conveyor provided with a plurality of seats, each seat extending along a respective axis and the axes of the seats being parallel to each other, each seat being sized to accommodate the N-length smoking article or N-length aerosol generating article;
(N-1) knives facing the plurality of seats and each placed at a midpoint of each first rod (2A) of double length to cut each N-length smoking article or N-length aerosol generating article into N smoking articles or N aerosol generating articles.

EX54. The apparatus according to EX53, wherein the single cutting conveyor is a single cutting drum, wherein the (N-1) knives are rotating blades having edges close to a side surface of the single cutting drum.
EX55. The method according to any of EX1 to EX28 or the apparatus according to any of EX29 to EX54, wherein the N-length first rods (NA) are obtained by cutting a first endless rod in a plurality of said N-length first rods (NA).
EX56. The method according to EX55 or to any of EX1 to EX28 or the apparatus according to EX55 or to any of EX29 to EX54, wherein the double length second rods are obtained by cutting a second endless rod in a plurality of said double length second rods.
EX57. A smoking article or an aerosol generating article assembled through the method according to any of EX1 to EX28 or to EX55 or EX56 and/or by the apparatus according to any of EX29 to EX54 or to EX55 or EX56.
Examples will now be further described with reference to the figures in which:

Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an aerosol generating article;
Figure 2 shows a longitudinal cross section of the aerosol generating article of figure 1;
Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the aerosol generating article of figures 1 and 2;
Figure 4 shows a combiner part of an apparatus for making aerosol generating articles;
Figure 5 is a cross section of a continuous rod made through the combiner of figure 4;
Figure 6 shows subsequent steps of a method of assembling aerosol generating articles;
Figures 7 to 11 shows devices part of an apparatus for assembling aerosol generating articles
Figure 12 subsequent steps of a variant method of assembling aerosol generating articles;
Figures 13 to 15 shows further steps of the method of figure 10 according to three variant embodiments;
Figure 16 is a flowchart representing a method of making aerosol generating articles.

One example of aerosol-generating article 1 is depicted in the exploded view of Figure 1 and comprises (from left to right in Figure 1): an aerosol-generating plug 2, a tubular plug 3 (hollow plug, for instance of cellulose acetate), a cooler plug 4 (for instance of poly lactic acid) and a filter plug 5 (mouthpiece filter usually made of filter material like tow). Each plug has a wrapping of its own (not detailed Figure 1) helping to contain properly their content. The aerosol-generating plug 2, a tubular plug 3 and a cooler plug 4 are wrapped in a wrapping paper 6 to form a first rod (A) of single length. The filter plug 5 in this example is made of a single element forming a second rod (B) of single length. A tipping paper (C) encircles and connects together the first rod (A) of single length and the second rod (B) of single length.
The aerosol-generating plug 2 comprises, for instance, an aerosol-generating substrate made of a sheet of material gathered in a continuous rod shape and wrapped in a wrapper. The material of the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise reconstituted tobacco or tobacco-free herbaceous or plant-based material or a biodegradable fibre-based material.
In figure 3, the first rod (A) of single length, the second rod (B) of single length and the tipping paper (C) are schematically represented and the tipping paper (C) is shown as a flat element not yet wrapped for better clarification.
A first endless rod 7 made of a plurality of first rods (A) is manufactured in a combiner 100 as the one schematically shown in figure 4. The combiner 100 comprises a conveyor 200 having a surface moving along a conveying direction "F". A cooler plugs feeder 300, a tubular plugs feeder 400 and an aerosol-generating plugs feeder 500 are located one after the other above the conveying surface. The cooler plugs feeder 300 feeds one at a time a plurality of cooler plugs 4' having a double length (which is double with respect to the single length of the cooler plug 4). The tubular plugs feeder 400 feeds one at a time a plurality of tubular plugs 3 (of single length). The aerosol-generating plugs feeder 500 feeds one at a time a plurality of aerosol-generating plugs 2' having a double length (which is double with respect to the single length of the aerosol-generating plug 2). The cited plugs 4', 2, 3' are fed such to align them along the conveying direction "F" according to the following sequence: double length aerosol-generating plug 2' - tubular plug 3 - double length cooler plug 4' - tubular plug 3. This sequence is repeated a plurality of times. The cited aligned plugs 4', 2, 3' are wrapped in the wrapping paper 6 while advanced along the conveying direction "F" to form the first endless rod 7.
The first endless rod 7 is therefore made of the plurality of first rods (A) of single length. One first rod (A) of single length comprises the aerosol-generating plug 2, the tubular plug 3 and the cooler plug 4 ordered form left to right and said one first rod (A) of single length is followed and preceded by two other first rods (A) of single length, in which the aerosol-generating plug 2, the tubular plug 3 and the cooler plug 4 are ordered from right to left, i.e. mirrored (figure 5).
The combiner 100 comprises a cutter 600 (for instance a rotating knife) configured to cut the first endless rod 7 in a plurality of four-length first rods (4A), i.e. a rod made of four first rods (A) of single length. The four-length first rods (4A) are then advanced along a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction "F" (figure 4) and loaded on a cutting drum 700, optionally through a transfer drum.
The cutting drum 700 (figure 7) rotates about an own main axis and is provided with a plurality of seats on a side surface thereof. Each seat, not shown in figures, extends along a respective axis and the axes of the seats are parallel to each other and to the main axis. Each seat is sized to accommodate one four-length first rod (4A). The four-length first rod (4A) on the lateral surface move perpendicular to the axes of the seats and of the four-length first rod (4A).
A first knife 701 faces the plurality of seats and is axially spaced from a first axial end of the seats by a single length of the first rod. A second knife 702 faces the plurality of seats and axially spaced from a second axial end of the seats by a single length of the first rod. Each of the first knife 701 and second knife 702 comprises a rotating blade having an edge close to the side surface of the cutting drum 700. An axial distance between the first knife 701 and the second knife 702 is a double length of the first rod.
Each four-length first rod (4A) is cut simultaneously by the first knife 701 and second knife 702 into a first rod (A) of single length, one first rod (2A) of double length and a further first rod (A) of single length which are arranged sequentially and aligned along a common axis (figure 7 and figure 6 - step II).
Each assembly comprising the first rod (A) of single length, the first rod (2A) of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length is then transferred to a separating drum, not shown, optionally through a transfer drum operatively interposed between the cutting drum 700 and said separating drum.
The separating drum rotates about an own main axis and is provided with a plurality of seats on a side surface thereof. Each seat extends along a respective axis and the axes of the seats are parallel to each other and to the main axis. The separating drum comprises sections axially movable one with respect to the other to space the first rod (A) of single length, the first rod (2A) of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length from each other while keeping them aligned, as shown in figure 6- step III. Each seat is therefore sized to accommodate the first rod (A) of single length, the first rod (2A) of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length axially spaced from each other and resulting from each four length first rod (4A).
Each assembly comprising the first rod (A) of single length, the first rod (2A) of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length spaced from each other is then transferred to an inserting drum 800 (figure 8), optionally through a transfer drum operatively interposed between the separating drum and said inserting drum 800.
The inserting drum 800 rotates about an own main axis and is provided with a plurality of seats on a side surface thereof. Each seat extends along a respective axis and the axes of the seats are parallel to each other and to the main axis.
The inserting drum 800 is operatively coupled to a double length second rods drum 900 (figure 8). A side surface of the double length second rods drum 900 comprises a plurality of seats. Each seat extends along a respective axis and is sized to accommodate two double length second rods (2B) aligned along a common axis and spaced from each other. The double length second rods (2B) are for instance obtained by cutting a second endless rod previously manufactured in a plurality of said double length second rods (2B) or second endless rod previously manufactured is cut in a plurality of four-length rods and each four-length rod is cut on a cutting drum in four double length second rods (2B).
The side surface of the double length second rods drum 900 faces a side surface of the inserting drum 800. The double length second rods drum 900 is configured to feed double length second rods (2B) to the inserting drum 800 and to insert two double length second rods (2B) between the first rod (A) of single length, the first rod (2A) of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length so as to form a loose assembly 8 (figure 8 and figure 6 - step IV).
The loose assemblies 8 are transferred to an application drum 1000 (figure 9). The application drum 1000 rotates about an own main axis and is provided with a plurality of seats on a side surface thereof. Each seat extends along a respective axis and the axes of the seats are parallel to each other and to the main axis. Each set is sized to accommodate a loose assembly 8. The side surface of the application drum 1000 faces the side surface of the inserting drum 800 as shown in figure 9.
The application drum 1000 is operatively coupled to a double length tipping papers drum 1100 which is configured to feed double length tipping papers (2C) to the application drum 1000 (figures 9 and 10). The double length tipping papers drum 1100 rotates about an own main axis parallel to the main axis of the application drum 1000. A side surface of the double length tipping papers drum 1100 faces a side surface of the application drum 1000 and presents a plurality of retaining areas arranged in groups of two areas each. The areas of each group are aligned along a respective axis. The axes of the groups are parallel to each other and parallel to the main axis of the double length tipping papers drum 1100. Each area is configured to retain a double length tipping paper (2C), for instance through suction devices, not shown.
As shown in figure 10, the double length tipping papers (2C) are cut from a band 9 unwound from a bobbin 10. The band of double length tipping papers (2C), once unwound from the bobbin 10, is glued by a gluing roller 11 then is cut by a cutting roller 12, generating the double length tipping paper (2C), which are then conveyed to the double length tipping papers drum 1100 and then towards an impact area on the application drum 1000 (figure 9). The gluing roller 11 is configured to apply adhesive to an extremity and to an opposite extremity of each double length tipping paper (2C).
Each group of two double length tipping papers (2C) is transferred from the double length tipping papers drum 1100 to the application drum 1000 and the extremities of the two double length tipping papers (2C) of each group are attached simultaneously to a side surface of one respective loose assembly 8. Particularly, the extremity of a first double length tipping paper (2C) is attached to the first rod (A) of single length, to the adjoining double length second rod (2B) and to one end of the first rod (2A) of double length. The extremity of a second double length tipping paper (2C) is attached to the other end of the first rod (2A) of double length, to the other double length second rod (2B) and to the further first rod (A) of single length, as shown in figures 9, 10.
The loose assemblies 8 provided with the double length tipping papers (2C) are transferred to a wrapping drum 1200 rotating about an own main axis and provided with a plurality of seats on a side surface thereof. Each seat extends along a respective axis and the axes of the seats are parallel to each other and to the main axis. Each set is sized to accommodate a loose assembly 8. The side surface of the wrapping drum 1200 faces the side surface of the application drum 1000 (figure 9).
The wrapping drum 1200 is operatively coupled to a steady element 1300 having a steady surface 1301 and arranged close to the wrapping drum 1200 so that the steady surface 1301 faces the side surface of the wrapping drum 1200 and the loose assemblies 8 carried by the wrapping drum 1200 may roll against said steady surface 1301. By rolling against the steady surface 1301, the double length tipping papers (2C) are wrapped around the loose assemblies 8 and the opposite extremities with adhesive seal the double length tipping papers (2C) around the loose assemblies 8 (figures 9, 11 and figure 6 - step V).
A cutting assembly is operatively placed downstream of the wrapping drum 1200 and configured to cut each first rod (2A) of double length in two and to cut each double length second rod (2B) with the respective double length tipping paper (2C) in two so as to form four aerosol generating articles 1 from each assembly. The cutting assembly of figure 9 comprises a single cutting drum 1400 and four rotating blades 1401 (only one is shown in figure 9) having edges close to a side surface of the single cutting drum 1400. Cutting lines are represented in figure 6 - step V. The four aerosol generating articles 1 are represented in figure 6 - step VI.
Figures 12 to 15 show steps of the method of assembling aerosol generating articles starting from a six-length first rod (6A) and a six-length second rod (6B). In these figures, the first rods (A) of single length and the second rods (B) of single length are represented schematically. The first rod (A) of single length may be composed of different plugs as disclosed above or may be a simple tobacco rod. The second rod (B) of single length may be composed of different plugs or may be a simple filter plug, as disclosed above. The resulting article may a traditional smoking article with a burning substrate or an aerosol generating articles, as disclosed above.
The six-length first rod (6A) is cut into a first a first rod (A) of single length, two first rods of double length (2A) and a further first rod (A) of single length arranged sequentially and aligned along a common axis spaced from each other (figure 12 - steps II and III). The six-length second rod (6B) is cut into three second rods of double length (2B) and spaced from each other (figure 12 - steps IV and V).
The three double length second rods (2B) are inserted between the first rod (A) of single length, the two first rods of double length (2A) and the further first rod (A) of single length so as to form a loose assembly 8 (figure 12 - step VII).
Three double length tipping papers (2C) are applied around the double length second rods (2B) and at least partially around the first rod (A) of single length, at least partially around the two first rods of double length (2A) and at least partially around the further first rod (A) of single length so as to form a six-length smoking article or six-length aerosol generating article (figure 12 - steps VII and VIII).
According to a first embodiment shown in figure 13, the six-length smoking article or six-length aerosol generating article is cut into three double length smoking articles or aerosol generating articles by cutting each first rod (2A) of double length with the double length tipping paper (2C) in two (figure 13 - steps IX and X) through a first cutting device provided with two knives, not shown. Then, each double length second rod (2B) is cut in two through a second cutting device, not shown, provided with three knives (figure 13 - steps XI and XII). The first cutting device comprises, for instance, a first cutting drum similar to the one of figure 7 and first rotating blades having edges close to a side surface of the first cutting drum. The second cutting device comprises a second cutting drum and second rotating blades having edges close to a side surface of the second cutting drum.
According to a second embodiment shown in figure 14, the six-length smoking article or six-length aerosol generating article is cut into three double length smoking articles or aerosol generating articles, as in figure 13 (figure 14 - steps IX and X). Then, the resulting three double length smoking articles or aerosol generating articles are aligned along a conveying direction (figure 14 - step XI) through an aligning device. Once aligned, terminal ends of the resulting three double length smoking articles or aerosol generating articles are aligned along lines parallel to the conveying direction. Each double length second rod (2A) is then cut for instance through a second cutting device, not shown, provided with one knife (figure 14 - step XII). The first and second cutting device may be similar to the cutting drum with rotating blades of figure 7. For instance, the aligning device comprises a turning mechanism configured to rotate some of the double length smoking articles or aerosol generating articles into alignment with the other double length smoking articles or aerosol generating articles.
According to a third embodiment shown in figure 15, each first rod (2A) of double length and each double length second rod (2B) are cut simultaneously for instance through a single cutting device provided with five knives (figure 15 - steps IX and X). For instance, the single cutting device is similar to the one of figure 7 and comprises a single cutting drum and five rotating blades.
Other embodiments, not shown and not detailed here, may start from a N-length first rod (NA), wherein N is even and is equal or greater than four and a N-length second rod, wherein N is even and is equal or greater than four.
For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ± 5 percent of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

Claims

A method of assembling smoking articles or aerosol generating articles, each smoking article or aerosol generating article comprising a first rod (A) of single length, a second rod (B) of single length and a tipping paper (C) applied around and joining together the first rod (A) and the second rod (B), the method comprising:
providing a N-length first rod (NA), wherein N is even and is equal or greater than four;

cutting the N-length first rod (NA) into a first rod (A) of single length, (N-2)/2 first rods (2A) of double length and a further first rod (A) of single length arranged sequentially and aligned along a common axis (X-X);

spacing the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods (2A) of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length from each other while maintaining said first rod (A) of single length, (N-2)/2 first rods (2A) of double length and further first rod (A) of single length aligned along the common axis (X-X);

inserting N/2 double length second rods (2B) between the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods (2A) of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length so as to form a loose assembly;

applying N/2 double length tipping papers (2C) around the double length second rods (2B) and at least partially around the first rod (A) of single length, at least partially around the first rods (2A) of double length and at least partially around the further first rod (A) of single length so as to form a N-length smoking article or N-length aerosol generating article;

cutting each first rod (2A) of double length in two and cutting each double length second rod (2B) with the respective double length tipping paper (2C) in two so as to form N smoking articles or N aerosol generating articles.
The method of claim 1, wherein the double length tipping papers (2C) are applied simultaneously.
The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein cutting the N-length first rod (NA) into the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods (2A) of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length is carried out in a cutting device provided with N/2 knives.
The method of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein applying the double length tipping papers (2C) comprises:
attaching extremities of the double length tipping papers (2C) on a side of each double length second rod (2B), of the first rod (A) of single length, of the first rods (2A) of double length and of the further first rod (A) of single length to provide the loose assembly with double length tipping papers (C);

making the loose assembly provided with the double length tipping papers (2C) roll against a steady surface so that the double length tipping papers (2C) wrap around the double length second rods (2B), the first rod (A) of single length, the first rods (2A) of double length and the further the first rod (A) of single length.
The method of claim 4, wherein attaching the extremities of the double length tipping papers (2C) comprises:
carrying the loose assemblies in seats on an application conveyor, wherein the common axis (X-X) of the loose assemblies are transverse to a conveying direction of the application conveyor;

carrying the double length tipping papers (2C) on a double length tipping papers conveyor, wherein the double length tipping papers (2C) are arranged in groups of N/2 areas each and the N/2 double length tipping papers (2C) of each group are aligned along a direction perpendicular to a conveying direction of the double length tipping papers conveyor;

transferring each group of N/2 double length tipping papers (2C) from the double length tipping papers conveyor to the application conveyor and attaching the extremities of each group of N/2 double length tipping papers (2C) to a respective loose assembly at a transfer zone where the application conveyor and the double length tipping papers conveyor face each other.
The method of claim 5, wherein making the loose assembly provided with the double length tipping papers (2C) roll against the steady surface comprises:
carrying the loose assemblies provided with the double length tipping papers (2C) in seats on a wrapping conveyor, wherein the common axis (X-X) of the loose assemblies are transverse to a conveying direction of the wrapping conveyor;

moving the wrapping conveyor close to the steady surface.
The method of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein cutting each first rod (2A) of double length in two and cutting each double length second rod (2B) with the respective double length tipping paper (2C) in two comprises:
first cutting each first rod (2A) of double length through a first cutting device provided with (N-2)/2 knives and then cutting each double length second rod (2B) through a second cutting device provided with N/2 knives; or

first cutting each first rod (2A) of double length through a first cutting device provided with (N-2)/2 knives, then aligning resulting N/2 double length smoking articles or aerosol generating articles along a conveying direction and then cutting each double length second rod (2B) through a second cutting device provided with one knife; or

cutting each first rod (2A) of double length and each double length second rod (2B) through a single cutting device provided with N-1 knives.
The method of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein N is equal to four, six or eight.
The method of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the N-length first rod (NA) comprises N burning substrates or N aerosol generating substrates and the double length second rod (2B) comprises filter material.
An apparatus for assembling smoking articles or aerosol generating articles, each smoking article or aerosol generating article comprising a first rod (A) of single length, a second rod (B) of single length and a tipping paper (C) applied around and joining together the first rod (A) and the second rod (B), the apparatus comprising:
• a cutting device configured to cut each of N-length first rods (NA) into a first rod (A) of single length, (N-2)/2 first rods (2A) of double length and a further first rod (A) of single length arranged sequentially and aligned along a common axis (X-X), wherein N is even and is equal or greater than four;

• a separating device operatively placed downstream of the cutting device and configured to axially space from each other the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods (2A) of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length resulting from each N-length first rod (NA) while maintaining said first rod (A) of single length, (N-2)/2 first rods (2A) of double length and further first rod (A) of single length aligned along the common axis (X-X);

• an inserting device operatively placed downstream of the separating device and configured to insert N/2 double length second rods (2B) between the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods (2A) of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length resulting from each N-length first rod (NA) so as to form loose assemblies;

• an application device operatively placed downstream of the inserting device and configured to attach an extremity of double length tipping paper on a side of the double length second rods, of the first rod (A) of single length, of the first rods of double length and of the further double length second rod of each loose assembly;

• a wrapping device operatively placed downstream of the application device and configured to wrap the double length tipping papers (2C) around the double length second rods (2B), at least partially around the first rod (A) of single length, at least partially around the first rods (2A) of double length and at least partially around the further first rod (A) of single length so as to form a N-length smoking article or N-length aerosol generating article;

• a cutting assembly operatively placed downstream of the wrapping device and configured to cut each first rod (2A) of double length in two and to cut each double length second rod (2B) with the respective double length tipping paper (2C) in two so as to form N smoking articles or N aerosol generating articles.
The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the cutting device comprises:
• a cutting conveyor provided with a plurality of seats, each seat extending along a respective axis, the axes of the seats being parallel to each other, the cutting conveyor moving along a conveying direction perpendicular to the axes, each seat being sized to accommodate one N-length first rod (NA);

• a first knife facing the plurality of seats and axially spaced from a first axial end of the seats by a single length of the first rod;

• a second knife facing the plurality of seats and axially spaced from a second axial end of the seats by a single length of the first rod;

• N/2-2 third knives axially interposed between the first knife and the second knife and each axially spaced from each other or from the first knife or the second knife by a double length of the first rod.
The apparatus of claim 10 or 11, wherein the separating device comprises a separating conveyor provided with a plurality of seats, each seat extending along a respective axis, the axes of the seats being parallel to each other, the separating conveyor moving along a conveying direction perpendicular to the axes; each seat being sized to accommodate the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods (2A) of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length axially spaced from each other and resulting from each N-length first rod (NA); the separating conveyor comprising sections axially movable to space the first rod (A) of single length, the (N-2)/2 first rods (2A) of double length and the further first rod (A) of single length.
The apparatus of any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the inserting device comprises:
• an inserting conveyor provided with a plurality of seats, each seat extending along a respective axis, the axes of the seats being parallel to each other, the inserting conveyor moving along a conveying direction perpendicular to the axes; each seat being sized to accommodate a loose assembly;

• a double length second rods conveyor operatively coupled to the inserting conveyor and configured to feed double length second rods (2B) to the inserting conveyor.
The apparatus of any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the application device comprises:
• an application conveyor provided with a plurality of seats, each seat extending along a respective axis, the axes of the seats being parallel to each other, the application conveyor moving along a conveying direction perpendicular to the axes; each seat being sized to accommodate a loose assembly;

• a double length tipping papers conveyor operatively coupled to the application conveyor and configured to feed double length tipping papers (2C) to the application conveyor.
The apparatus of any of claims 10 to 14, wherein the wrapping device comprises:
• a wrapping conveyor provided with a plurality of seats, each seat extending along a respective axis and the axes of the seats being parallel to each other, each seat being sized to accommodate a loose assembly with double length tipping papers (2C), the wrapping conveyor moving along a conveying direction perpendicular to the axes;

• a steady element having a steady surface and arranged close to the wrapping conveyor so that the loose assemblies carried by the wrapping conveyor roll against the steady surface.