JP2012513749A - Apparatus and method for combining components for smoking articles - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus and method is provided for combining two or more different components (103, 203, 105, 205, 107a, 107b, 207) to produce a smoking article. At least one of the components (103, 203) is not cleanly cuttable, i.e. it cannot be cut cleanly using conventional cutting means, for example because it is fragile or fragile. The method includes feeding a stream of components along a mobile delivery path (200) and stuffing the stream of components into two or more different groups of components, each group being an individual Corresponding to the smoking article, the components in the group abutting each other, and a predetermined space between the preceding group of components and the subsequent group of components; and wrapping the component in a web of material; Cutting the web of material in each space between the group of components.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for combining components for producing smoking articles.

  Devices and methods for producing smoking articles composed of a plurality of components are known in the art. For example, a rolling process can be used in which the smoking article and components are aligned substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement. Alternatively, a linear process can be used in which the components are aligned substantially longitudinally along the direction of movement. In some arrangements, a combination of two steps is used, for example, the combination can be a rolling step and the overwrapping can be a linear step. However, the known devices and manufacturing processes are suitable for manufacturing smoking articles comprising components made of materials that cannot be cut cleanly using mechanical cutting means such as conventional knives or blades. Absent.

US-A-4,714,082 US-A-5,819,751 US-A-5,040,551 PCT / IB2008 / 002868 EP 08250842.5

  It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method suitable for manufacturing smoking articles comprising one or more components made of a material that cannot be cut cleanly using conventional blades. It is. The apparatus and method of the present invention are particularly, but not exclusively, suitable for the manufacture of smoking articles in which one of the components is a flammable heat source or a fuel element, such as a carbonaceous heat source.

  According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of combining two or more different components for the production of a smoking article in which at least one of the components is cleanly uncuttable, the method comprising moving Feeding a stream of components along a delivery path, and stuffing the stream of components into two or more different groups of components, each group corresponding to an individual smoking article, The components abut each other, and a predetermined space exists between the preceding group of components and the subsequent group of components, the step of wrapping the component in a web of material, and each space between the groups of components Cutting a web of material.

  According to a first aspect of the invention, there is also provided a method of combining two or more different components for the production of a smoking article in which at least one of the components is cleanly uncuttable, the method comprising moving Feeding the component stream along the delivery path, and stuffing the component stream into two or more groups of different components, each group corresponding to a separate non-tip smoking article. The components in the group abut each other and a predetermined space exists between the preceding group of components and the subsequent group of components, the step of wrapping the components in a web of material, and between the groups of components Cutting the web of material in each of the spaces.

  A component that cannot be cleanly cut is a component that cannot be cut cleanly using conventional mechanical cutting means. For example, the component can include a brittle material or a material that is prone to cracking, collapsing, or falling apart when cut with a conventional blade. Preferably, the cleanly non-cutable component is adjacent to the space between the two groups of components. The smoking article can be tipped or non-tipped. Non-tip smoking articles include all components for smoking articles, ie, all numbers and types of components for smoking articles except smoking article tips such as mouthpieces and wrapping paper. Preferably, the cleanly non-cuttable component and tip are both ends of the smoking article. Two or more different components include one, two, three, four, five, or more additional components in addition to a cleanly uncuttable component be able to. Preferably, the two or more different components include two, three, or four components in addition to a cleanly uncuttable component. Even more preferably, the two or more different components comprise three components in addition to the cleanly non-cutable component: one component of the first type and 2 of the second type. Contains one component. The terms “component predecessor” and “component predecessor” are used to indicate the relative position of the component group on the mobile delivery path and do not necessarily indicate the position of the component within the smoking article. It is not a thing.

  While the method and apparatus of the present invention can be advantageously used to create a variety of smoking articles, the granted patents US-A-4,714,082, US-A-5,819,751, and Heated smoking articles as described in US-A-5,040,551, distillate-based smoking articles as described in currently patent pending patent application PCT / IB2008 / 002868, and Premier®. And the production of heated cigarettes such as those sold by “RJ Reyno1ds Tobacco Company” under the trademark Ec1ipse®.

  The method according to the invention is advantageous because different components can be easily substituted, and therefore the method can be easily adapted to produce different types of smoking articles in different production steps. The method is also advantageous because it can be used to produce smoking articles at high speed. Cutting the web of material in space rather than through cleanly uncut components prevents the risk of damaging the cutting means. In the case of a carbonaceous heat source, this also means that other components are not blackened or contaminated.

  Preferably, the components on the delivery path substantially align their longitudinal axes with each other and the direction of movement of the delivery path. Preferably, the component on the delivery path is a cylindrical component of the smoking article. Such a linear combination process is advantageous because there is minimal or no component damage within each smoking article.

  The step of feeding the component stream along the mobile delivery path preferably includes two or more different components such that the components on the mobile delivery path are in a desired and predetermined order. Interleaving each other with two or more of the other different components.

  In a preferred embodiment, the order of the components on the moving delivery path corresponds to smoking articles that are all oriented in the same direction relative to the direction of movement of the delivery path. That is, the component includes the first component, the second component, the third component, the first component, the second component, and the third component with respect to an appropriate number of components. , First component etc. or equivalent. For example, the components may be aligned such as a heat source, then an aerosol generating substrate, then an elongated expansion chamber, then a heat source, then an aerosol generating substrate, then an elongated expansion chamber, and so on.

  In its preferred embodiment, preferably the method comprises alternating the smoking articles adjacent to the direction of movement after the step of cutting the web of material in each space between the group of components. Each step further includes rotating the smoking article.

  In an alternative embodiment, the order of the components on the moving delivery path corresponds to alternating smoking articles that face in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the delivery path. That is, the component includes the first component, the second component, the third component, the third component, the second component, and the first component with respect to an appropriate number of components. And so on or equivalently. For example, the components can be aligned with a heat source, then an aerosol generating substrate, then an elongated expansion chamber, then an elongated expansion chamber, then an aerosol generating substrate, then a heat source, and so on.

  In one embodiment, stuffing the component stream into the group of components separates the component stream into two or more groups of components, each group corresponding to a separate smoking article. And packing the components in the group so that they are in contact with each other, and setting a predetermined space between the preceding space of the components and the subsequent space of the components.

  The size of the predetermined space is the desired size between groups of components corresponding to individual smoking articles. A web of material is cut in each space. Therefore, the size of each space must be accurate because inaccurate spaces can cause damage to the cutting means. The space must be large enough so that the cutting means can cut the web of material, but it should be small enough not to waste the web of material. In one embodiment, the predetermined space is 1 mm ± 0.5 mm, ie, between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm. Even more preferably, the predetermined space is between 0.8 mm and 1.2 mm.

  In the case where each group of components corresponds to a separate non-tip smoking article, the method according to the present invention uses a tip to form a tip smoking article after the step of cutting the web of material. The method may further include attaching a tip to the tipped smoking article. Preferably, the tip is a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece can include cellulose acetate tow. Preferably, the mouthpiece is cylindrical. Preferably, attaching the tip comprises fixing the tip to the non-tip smoking article with tip paper.

  Preferably, wrapping the component in a web of material comprises wrapping the component in a paper web. Preferably, the web of material includes, for example, pre-added heat conducting elements, eg, aluminum foil patches, spaced along the inside of the web of material. The location of the pre-added heat transfer element on the web of material must be precise. The method further comprises applying an area or line of adhesive or a continuous or intermittent stream of adhesive to the web of heat conducting material or to the patch for subsequent application of the material to the web. Can be included. The method can further include applying a spaced patch of thermally conductive material inside the web of material.

  The method can further include applying an area or line of adhesive or a continuous or intermittent stream of adhesive inside the web of material prior to wrapping the component in the web of material. Thereby, the web of material is secured to one or more of the components. This helps maintain the integrity of the finished smoking article.

  Preferably, the component is substantially cylindrical with a circular or elliptical cross section.

  In a preferred embodiment, the cleanly uncuttable component is a heat source. Each heat source can be a carbon-based heat source. Each heat source can be an incompressible pyrolytic carbon-based heat source. Preferably, the heat source is cylindrical. In that case, each heat source on the delivery path preferably has a longitudinal axis aligned with the direction of movement of the delivery path. The heat source can be penetrated by one or more air flow channels.

  Preferably, the two or more different components comprise one or more aerosol generating substrates. Each substrate can include a tobacco material. Preferably, each substrate is cylindrical. In that case, each substrate on the delivery path preferably has a longitudinal axis substantially aligned with the direction of movement of the delivery path.

  Preferably, the two or more components include one or more elongated inflation chambers. Preferably, each elongate expansion chamber is cylindrical. In that case, each elongate expansion chamber on the delivery path preferably has a longitudinal axis substantially aligned with the direction of movement of the delivery path. Even more preferably, each expansion chamber can include a cylindrical open end tube. The tube can include cardboard.

  The component can further include other components, such as a barrier material, for placement between the heat source and the aerosol generating substrate.

  In a preferred embodiment, two or more different components include a heat source that is not cleanly severable, an aerosol generating substrate, and an elongated expansion chamber, each group corresponding to an individual smoking article being cleanly severable. It includes one of the heat sources, one or more of the aerosol generating substrate, and one or more of the elongated expansion chamber.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for combining two or more different components for the production of a smoking article in which at least one of the components is cleanly uncuttable, the device comprising: A feeding means for feeding a stream of components along a moving delivery path, and stuffing the stream of components into two or more different groups of components, each group into a separate smoking article; Correspondingly, the stuffing means in which the components in the group abut each other and there is a predetermined space between the preceding group of components and the subsequent group of components; and packaging means for wrapping the components in a web of material; Cutting means for cutting a web of material in each space between the group of components.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for combining two or more different components for the production of a smoking article in which at least one of the components is cleanly uncuttable, the device comprising: Feed means for feeding a stream of components along a moving delivery path, and stuffing the stream of components into two or more different groups of components, each group having a separate non-tip Packing means corresponding to a smoking article, in which the components in the group abut each other and there is a predetermined space between the preceding group of components and the subsequent group of components, and packaging for wrapping the component in a web of material Means and cutting means for cutting the web of material in each space between the group of components.

  Preferably, the components on the delivery path substantially align their longitudinal axes with each other and the direction of movement of the delivery path. Such a linear combination process is advantageous because there is minimal or no component damage within each smoking article.

  Preferably, the feeding means includes two or more different components, each of two or more different components, such that the components on the delivery path are in a desired and predetermined order. Arranged to interleave with other ones. Preferably, the feeding means has a delivery path between them so as to interleave each of the two or more different components with each other of the two or more different components. They are arranged with a certain distance according to the above desired order.

  In a preferred embodiment, the order of the components on the moving delivery path corresponds to smoking articles that are all oriented in the same direction relative to the direction of movement of the delivery path.

  In its preferred embodiment, preferably the apparatus further comprises a rotating drum after the cutting means for rotating the smoking article at every alternate time so that adjacent smoking articles are oriented in the opposite direction to the direction of movement.

  In an alternative embodiment, the order of the components on the moving delivery path corresponds to alternating smoking articles that face in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the delivery path.

  Preferably, the feeding means includes at least one indexing wheel for feeding the component onto the moving delivery path. Preferably, each indexing wheel includes a plurality of fingers about its circumference. Preferably, the separation of the fingers sets a distance between components on the delivery path.

  In one embodiment, the feeding means includes first and second supply drums for feeding each component on a feed path upstream of the feed path. Preferably, the first supply drum includes a plurality of longitudinal grooves around its circumference. Preferably, each groove on the first drum is arranged to hold a multiple unit length component, eg, a double length, a quadruple length, or a sixfold length component. In that case, preferably, each feeding means is arranged such that the multiple unit length component on the first supply drum is cut into a single length component for the second supply drum. It further includes at least one cutting machine along the drum. Preferably, the second supply drum includes a plurality of longitudinal grooves around its circumference. Preferably, the grooves are axially and circumferentially spaced so that one or more components are fed at a time on the feed path. Preferably, the feeding means includes a hopper for feeding multiple unit length components onto each first supply drum.

  Preferably, the stuffing means has first circumferentially spaced stationary fingers to separate the component streams into two or more different groups of components, each group corresponding to a separate smoking article. Of a first wheel having one wheel and circumferentially spaced movable fingers that are more closely spaced than fixed fingers on the first wheel to pack the components in the group into contact with each other A second downstream wheel and a third downstream of the second wheel having moveable fingers spaced circumferentially to set a predetermined space between the preceding group of components and the subsequent group of components Including wheels.

  In one embodiment, the first and second wheels have substantially equal diameters. A movable finger on the second wheel allows components to be transferred between the first and second wheels even when the wheels are rotating at different speeds. This is preferably accomplished by driving a movable finger on the second wheel by a cam.

  In one embodiment, the second and third wheels have different diameters and the circumferentially spaced movable fingers on the third wheel are circumferentially spaced movable fingers on the second wheel. Narrower than. Thereby, the separation between groups of components is reduced when the components are transferred from the second wheel to the third wheel. A movable finger on the third wheel allows a precise and accurate spatial size between groups of components. This is preferably accomplished by driving a movable finger on the third wheel by a cam.

  The web of material may comprise a web of paper material, for example a cigarette paper web. Preferably, the web of material supplied to the packaging means includes pre-applied heat transfer elements spaced along the inside of the web of material. The apparatus further comprises an adhesive means for applying a continuous or intermittent stream of adhesive areas or lines or adhesive to the web of thermally conductive material or to the patch for subsequent application of the material to the web. Can do. The apparatus can further comprise applicator means for applying spaced patches of heat conducting material inside the web of material.

  The apparatus may further comprise an adhesive means for applying a continuous or intermittent stream of adhesive areas or lines or adhesive inside the web of material prior to the packaging means for wrapping the component in the web of material. .

  Where each group of components corresponds to a separate non-tip smoking article, the apparatus further includes a tipper downstream of the cutting means to tip the non-tip smoking article to form the smoking article. Can do. Preferably, the tip is a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece can include cellulose acetate tow. Preferably, the mouthpiece is cylindrical. Preferably, the tipping machine fixes the tip to the non-tipped smoking article with tipping paper. The tipper can include any suitable tipper. Examples of suitable tipping machines are the Max-S tipper made by German "Hauni AG" and the Max-80 also made by German "Hauni AG".

  In a preferred embodiment, the cleanly uncuttable component is a heat source. Each heat source can be a carbon-based heat source. Each heat source can be an incompressible pyrolytic carbon-based heat source. Preferably, the heat source is cylindrical. In that case, each heat source on the delivery path preferably has a longitudinal axis substantially aligned with the direction of movement of the delivery path. The heat source can be passed through one or more air flow channels.

  Preferably, the two or more different components comprise one or more aerosol generating substrates. Each substrate can include a tobacco material. Preferably, each substrate is cylindrical. In that case, each substrate on the delivery path preferably has a longitudinal axis substantially aligned with the direction of movement of the delivery path.

  Preferably, the two or more different components include one or more elongated inflation chambers. Preferably, each elongate expansion chamber is cylindrical. In that case, each elongated inflation chamber on the delivery path has a longitudinal axis substantially aligned with the direction of movement of the delivery path. Even more preferably, each elongate expansion chamber can include a cylindrical open end tube. The tube can include cardboard.

  The component can further include other components, such as a barrier material for placement between the heat source and the aerosol generating substrate.

  In a preferred embodiment, two or more different components include a heat source that is not cleanly severable, an aerosol generating substrate, and an elongated expansion chamber, each group corresponding to an individual smoking article being cleanly severable. It includes one of the heat sources, one or more of the aerosol generating substrate, and one or more of the elongated expansion chamber.

  Features described in connection with one aspect of the invention are also applicable to another aspect of the invention.

  The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure which shows the distilling base smoking article. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows the 1st example of the component arranged in order on the vacuum belt. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of the component arranged in order on the vacuum belt. Figure 3 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of the stuffing means of Figure 2; 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of an apparatus used to apply a heat conducting element to a paper web. FIG.

  A preferred exemplary embodiment of the apparatus and method of the present invention will now be described. The apparatus can be used during the manufacture of distillate-based smoking articles, for example the smoking article shown in FIG. In FIG. 1, a smoking article 101 includes a combustible heat source 103, an aerosol generating substrate 105, two elongate expansion chambers 107a and 107b, and a mouthpiece 109 that are abutting coaxial alignments and are not cleanly cut. The outer wrapping paper 111 is overwrapped. In this embodiment, the flammable heat source 103 that is cleanly uncut is cylindrical and includes a central airflow channel 113 that extends longitudinally through the heat source 103. The aerosol generating substrate 105 is provided immediately downstream of the heat source 103 and, in this embodiment, includes a cylindrical plug of homogenized tobacco material 117 composed of longitudinally aligned filaments of extruded tobacco material. The heat conducting element 121 is made of aluminum foil in this embodiment, and surrounds and is in contact with the back surface portion of the heat source 103 that cannot be cleanly cut and the abutting front surface portion of the aerosol generating substrate 105. The elongated expansion chambers 107a and 107b are provided downstream of the aerosol generating substrate 105 and in this embodiment include a cylindrical open end tube of cardboard 123. The mouthpiece 109 is provided downstream of the elongated expansion chambers 107a and 107b and in this embodiment includes a cylindrical plug 125 of cellulose acetate tow. In this embodiment, the outer wrap 111 includes perforations 129 immediately upstream of the heat conducting element 121 around its circumference. The smoking article 101 is surrounded by the tip paper 131.

  FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a particular distillate-based smoking article. However, various modifications are possible. For example, one or more of the following modifications can be made as needed. The heat source can include additional or variously arranged air flow channels. The aerosol generating substrate can comprise any suitable material. For example, additional aerosol generating substrates comprising different tobacco materials or flavoring agents can be included. A barrier material may be included between the heat source and the aerosol generating substrate. Instead of two short expansion chambers, one long expansion chamber can be provided. Any suitable mouthpiece can be included or the mouthpiece can be omitted altogether. The leading edge paper can be omitted. The perforations can be omitted or placed adjacent to the heat transfer element so that the consumer can see the aluminum foil through the perforations.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of an apparatus for combining a plurality of components for producing a non-tip smoking article. The embodiment of FIG. 2 can be used to produce a smoking article that includes components that cannot be cleanly cut with conventional mechanical cutting means, such as the smoking article described above with respect to FIG. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, each smoking article includes a cleanly non-cutable heat source 203, an aerosol generating substrate 205, two elongated expansion chambers 207, and a mouthpiece (not shown). The apparatus shown in FIG. 2 is arranged and a heat source 203, aerosol generating substrate 205, and expansion chamber 207 are combined to form a non-tip smoking article, optionally using a tip paper, to which a mouthpiece is attached, and smoking A finished article can be formed.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the apparatus 201 includes a first delivery means 203a for the heat source 203, a second delivery means 205a for the aerosol generating substrate 205, and a third delivery for the expansion chamber 207. Including means 207a. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the first feeding means 203a includes a vibrating bowl 203b, a belt 203e, and an indexing wheel 203f. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the second feeding means 205a includes a hopper 205b, a main supply drum 205c, a sub supply drum 205d, a vacuum belt 205e, and a second indexing wheel 205. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the third feeding means 207a includes a hopper 207b, a main supply drum 207c, a sub supply drum 207d, a vacuum belt 207e, and an indexing wheel 207f. The apparatus 201 further used a vacuum belt 209 and a stuffing means 210, a paper web feeder 219 and a belt 221 for stuffing a component stream in the form of wheels 211, 213, 215 into a group of components. A cutting means in the form of a decorative region 217 and a blade 223 is included. Further details of the stuffing means 210 including the wheels 211, 213 and 215 are shown in FIG.

  The general operation of the apparatus of FIG. 2 is as follows. The heat source 203 is introduced from the vibrating bowl 203b onto the belt 203e and then onto the vacuum belt 209 through the indexing wheel 203f. The aerosol generating substrate 205 is introduced from the hopper 205b through the main supply drum 205c and the sub supply drum 205d onto the vacuum belt 205e and then through the indexing wheel 205f onto the vacuum belt 209. Similarly, the expansion chamber 207 is introduced from the hopper 207b through the main supply drum 207c and the sub supply drum 207d onto the vacuum belt 207e and then through the indexing wheel 207f onto the vacuum belt 209. The various components 203, 205, and 207 are introduced at appropriate intervals and speeds so that their longitudinal axes are substantially axially aligned with each other and simultaneously with the direction of movement of the vacuum belt 209 in the required order. Is done. Component delivery is also described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

  The various components pass sequentially through the vacuum belt 209 and then enter the stuffing means 210. The function of the stuffing means 210 is to pack a stream of components into groups of components, each group corresponding to a separate non-tip smoking article, so that the components in the group abut each other, A predetermined space exists between the preceding group of components and the subsequent group of components. Further, the stuffing means aligns each space so that the blade can cut the web of material in each space between groups of components. The stuffing means 210 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  After the stuffing means 210, the components are overwrapped using a paper web in the decorative area 217. The paper web feeder 219 is a pre-applied heat transfer element (possibly in the form of an aluminum foil patch, 121 in FIG. 1, as further described with reference to FIG. 6). Can be included. With the component overwrapped with a paper web from feeder 219, the blade 223 cuts the web at the appropriate time.

  The supply of the aerosol generating substrate and expansion chamber will now be further described. Referring again to FIG. 2, supply drums 205c and 205d are used to supply aerosol generating substrate 205 from hopper 205b onto vacuum belt 205e. Supply drums 207c and 207d are used to supply the expansion chamber 207 from the hopper 207b onto the vacuum belt 207e.

  The main drum 205c for the aerosol generating substrate 205 includes a plurality of longitudinal grooves (not shown) aligned with the rotation axis around its circumference. In this embodiment, the main drum 205c rotates in the clockwise direction. The secondary drum 205d also includes a plurality of longitudinal grooves (not shown) around its circumference. However, each groove on the secondary drum 205d extends along only one-sixth the length of the drum and is arranged to hold a single-length aerosol generating substrate. The grooves on the secondary drum 205d are stepped with respect to each other around the circumference of the drum. There are five rotary cutting blades (not shown) along the main drum 205c that cut the length of the x6 aerosol generating substrate on the main drum 205c into a single length aerosol generating substrate for the secondary drum 205d. To do. In this embodiment, the sub drum 205d rotates counterclockwise, and the single-length aerosol generating substrate 205 is individually arranged on the vacuum belt 205e. The vacuum belt 205e can include fixed fingers to ensure correct positioning of the components.

  The main drum 207c for the expansion chamber 207 includes a plurality of longitudinal grooves (not shown) aligned with the rotational axis about its circumference. In this embodiment, the main drum 207c rotates in the clockwise direction. The main drum 207c is arranged to hold a 4x length expansion chamber. The secondary drum 207d also includes a plurality of longitudinal grooves (not shown) around its circumference. However, each groove on the secondary drum 207d extends along only half the length of the drum and is arranged to hold two single length expansion chambers. The grooves on the secondary drum 207d are stepped with respect to each other around the circumference of the drum. Along the main drum 207c, there are three rotary cutting blades (not shown) that cut the x4 expansion chamber on the main drum 207c into a single length expansion chamber for the secondary drum 207d. In this embodiment, the secondary drum 207d rotates counterclockwise. Two two-length expansion chambers are then placed together on the vacuum belt, resulting in two expansion chambers for each finished smoking article. The vacuum belt can include fixed fingers to ensure correct positioning of the components.

  Typically, suction is used to hold the components to the drum, and known vacuum transfer techniques are used to transfer the components between the drums. However, other mechanisms can be used. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the main drum 205c includes 42 longitudinal grooves and the secondary drum 205d includes 72 stepwise longitudinal grooves. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the main drum 207c includes 42 longitudinal grooves and the secondary drum 207d includes 24 stepwise longitudinal grooves. Of course, other numbers of grooves are available, and the grooves may be evenly spaced around the drum and may not be arranged.

  There is an indexing wheel 205f between the vacuum belt 205e and the vacuum belt 209. The indexing wheel 205f rotates to supply the aerosol generating substrate 205 onto the vacuum belt 209. In this embodiment, there are four fixed fingers (not shown) on the indexing wheel 205f, which separate the components from each other. In this embodiment, the indexing wheel 205f sets the distance between the aerosol generating substrates as it is transferred onto the vacuum belt 209. The speed of the vacuum belt 205e is set to cooperate with the rotation speed of the indexing wheel 205f and the speed of the vacuum belt 209.

  Between the vacuum belt 207e and the vacuum belt 209, there is an indexing wheel 207f. The indexing wheel 207f rotates to supply two expansion chambers on the vacuum belt 209 at a time. In this embodiment, there are four fixed fingers (not shown) that separate the expansion chamber into two groups on the indexing wheel 207f, ie, the fixed fingers are placed after every second expansion chamber. . In this embodiment, the indexing wheel 207f sets the distance between the expansion chamber pair when transferred onto the vacuum belt 209. The speed of the vacuum belt 207e is set to cooperate with the rotational speed of the indexing wheel 207f and the speed of the vacuum belt 209.

  The supply of the heat source will now be described further below. Referring again to FIG. 2, a vibrating bowl is used to provide a (pre-cut) heat source on the belt 203e.

  Between the belt 203e and the vacuum belt 209, there is an indexing wheel 203f. The indexing wheel 203f rotates to supply a heat source on the vacuum belt 209. In this embodiment, there are four or six fixed fingers (not shown) on the indexing wheel 203f.

  The desired spacing and order of the various components on the vacuum belt 209 and the number of fixed fingers on the indexing wheel 203f will depend on the structure of the resulting smoking article and also the subsequent steps involved in manufacturing. In some arrangements (see, eg, FIG. 3 described below), regular spacing between components will be required. That is, the same spacing is required between one component and the next component. This is set by indexing wheels 203f, 205f, 207f. In particular, in the case of the arrangement shown in FIG. 3, four fixed fingers are provided on the indexing wheel 203f. The indexing wheel 203f delivers a controlled number of heat sources onto the vacuum belt 209 from a continuous supply from the belt 203e. In the arrangement of FIG. 3, one heat source is provided on the vacuum belt 209 at a time, with equal spacing between the heat sources.

  However, other arrangements (eg, see FIG. 4 described below) require irregular spacing between components. That is, the space between one component and the next component is not necessarily the same. In one advantageous arrangement, there are two different spacings between components of the same type, so that the first space between the first component and the second configuration, the second component and the third There is a second space between the configurations, a first space again between the third component and the fourth configuration, a second space again between the fourth component and the fifth configuration, and so on. Furthermore, this is set by indexing wheels 203f, 205f, 207f. In particular, in the arrangement shown in FIG. 4, six fixed fingers are provided on the indexing wheel 203f. The indexing wheel 203f delivers a controlled number of heat sources onto the vacuum belt 209 from a continuous supply from the belt 203e. In the arrangement of FIG. 4, two heat sources are provided on the vacuum belt 209 at a time. The space between each pair of heat sources is created by the difference in speed between the indexing wheel 203f and the vacuum belt 209. The speed of the vacuum belt 209 is three times the tangential speed of the indexing wheel 203f. This creates a space between each pair of heat sources equal to twice the heat source length.

  FIG. 3 shows one possible order for the components on the vacuum belt 209. The components are simply in the order that they will be placed in the finished non-tip smoking article. That is, a heat source 203, then an aerosol generating substrate 205, then an expansion chamber 207, then another heat source 203, then another aerosol generating substrate 205, then another further expansion chamber 207, and so on. This is due to the equal spacing between each heat source from the first feeding means 203a (as described above), the equal spacing between each aerosol generating substrate from the second feeding means 205a, and the third feeding means. It means that there is an equal spacing between each expansion chamber pair from 207a. The scissors cut symbol in FIG. 3 indicates the location where the paper web will be cut at the blade 223 or further downstream. In FIG. 3, an interval between components of the same type is indicated by 301.

  The sequence shown in FIG. 3 is advantageous because it makes the length and position of the heat-conducting element flexible and further increases the accuracy. However, during the existing manufacturing process, typically a double-length rod is formed, which is then cut into two and a double-length filter mouthpiece is inserted into the two single-length rods. Then, double-length leading edge paper is added. In order to make this possible with the arrangement of FIG. 3, a rotating drum can be provided downstream of the stuffing means in front of the tipper. The rotating drum takes a continuous line of non-tip smoking articles and rotates alternating non-tip smoking articles so that the double-length filter mouthpiece has two single-length non-tips as in the existing process. Inserted between smoking articles.

  FIG. 4 shows another possible sequence of components on the vacuum belt 209. Two smoking article rods are created at a time, with the components arranged in order, one facing forward and one facing backward. That is, the heat source 203, then the aerosol generating substrate 205, then the expansion chamber 207, then another further expansion chamber 207, then another aerosol generating substrate 205, then another heat source 203, and then the third heat source 203. It is an order that is and so on. Such an arrangement is advantageous because it can be used with existing tip processes without a rotating drum. In order to achieve the non-uniform spacing of FIG. 4, the indexing wheels 203f, 205f and 207f of the feeding means 203a, 205a and 207a are arranged at two different intervals between the same type of components (described above). The components on the vacuum belt 209. A first spacing between heat sources is shown as 401. A second spacing between the heat sources is shown as 403. (There is also a corresponding space (not labeled) between other components of the same type.) The first spacing 401 is the spacing between the heat sources of one double length non-tip smoking article. The first spacing 403 is the spacing between heat sources in adjacent double length non-tip smoking articles. The vacuum belt 209 moves the components toward the stuffing means 210 at its desired position. Suction is applied from the lower belt 209, which helps to adhere the components to the belt.

  FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of the stuffing means 210 of FIG. In FIG. 5, the component enters the stuffing means at 501 on the belt 209 and exits the stuffing means at 503 on the belt 221. In FIG. 5, the components are shown in the order of FIG. 4, ie, creating two non-tip smoking articles at a time, one facing forward and one facing backward. However, any suitable component order is available.

  In this embodiment, the stuffing means 210 includes three wheels 211, 213 and 215. The first wheel 211 is used to separate a plurality of components into groups of components. In this embodiment, the first wheel 211 includes seven fixed and circumferentially spaced fingers 505a and is arranged to rotate clockwise. The second wheel 215 is used to pack the components in each group. In this embodiment, the second wheel 213 includes eight circumferentially spaced movable thick fingers 507a and is arranged to rotate counterclockwise. Each movable thick finger 507a is not fixed to the wheel 213 but is driven by a cam 507b so that each thick finger 507a is movable relative to the wheel 213. The third wheel 215 is used to set the spacing between each group of components. In this embodiment, the third wheel 215 includes eight circumferentially spaced movable thin fingers 509a and is arranged to rotate clockwise. The desired spacing between each non-tip smoking article is created either by having movable thin fingers that include the corresponding dimensions or by adjusting the speed ratio between the stuffing means 210 and the belt 221. Each movable thin finger 509a is not fixed to the wheel 215 but is driven by a cam 509b so that each thin finger 509a is movable relative to the wheel 215.

  The components are fed into the stuffing means 210 at 501 on the belt 209. They are then guided on the wheel 211 by the guide 511 and conveyed in the clockwise direction by the wheel 211 as indicated by the arrows. Each fixed finger 505a is disposed between the components of one non-tip smoking article and the next non-tip smoking article, each non-tip smoking article including a group of components. Since the components tend to be quite spaced on the belt, they will remain fairly spaced on the wheel 211 as well.

  At the interface between the first wheel 211 and the second wheel 213, the components are transferred to the second wheel 213 and begin to rotate counterclockwise, as indicated by the arrows. The component is guided on the wheel 213 by a guide 513. Each moveable thick finger 507a replaces the fixed finger 505a and is disposed between the components of one non-tip smoking article and the next non-tip smoking article. In order to successfully transfer the components of wheel 213 from wheel 211 because wheel 211 includes seven fixed fingers 505a, whereas wheel 213 includes eight movable fingers 507a, It must be rotating at an individual speed. The reason is that because the wheels have the same diameter, wheel 211 should be 1 and 1/7 turn for each full turn of wheel 213 corresponding to 8 smoking article rods. In order to accept this speed difference at the interface, the movable finger 507a is not fixed to the wheel 213 but driven by the cam 507b. Thereby, the movable finger 507a can move at the same speed as the fixed finger 505b at the interface by moving relative to the wheel 213. Next, with the components transferred, the cam 507b can return the movable finger 507a to the same speed of rotation as the wheel 213. Since there are eight spaces between the movable fingers on the wheel 213, but only seven spaces between the fixed fingers on the wheel 211, the components in the group of components on the wheel 213 are on the wheel 211. Closer to each other than the ones.

  The components are then conveyed counterclockwise by the wheel 213 as indicated by the arrows. As already mentioned above, each moveable thick finger 507a is placed between the components of one non-tip smoking article and the next non-tip smoking article.

  At the interface between the second wheel 213 and the third wheel 215, as indicated by the arrows, the component is transferred to the third wheel 215 and begins to rotate counterclockwise. The component is guided on the wheel 215 by a guide 515. Each moveable finger 509a replaces the moveable thick finger 507a and is disposed between the components of one non-tip smoking article and the next non-tip smoking article. Because wheel 215 includes eight movable fingers, just like wheel 213, wheels 213 and 215 move at approximately the same speed at the interface between them. However, movable finger 509a is thinner than finger 507a, which provides a smaller separation between the components of one non-tip smoking article and the next non-tip smoking article. To accomplish this, the wheel 213 has a diameter that is slightly different from the diameter of the wheel 215. Although the movable fingers 509a may not require very large movement with respect to the wheel 215, they are still driven by the cam 509b rather than being fixed to the wheel 215. This allows finger 509a to move relative to wheel 215 at the interface between wheel 213 and wheel 215 should this be necessary to pack the components. In addition, the cam mechanism allows adjustment of the rate of delivery of the components onto the belt to pack the components relative to each other.

  The components are then conveyed clockwise by the wheel 215 as indicated by the arrows. At this stage, the separation between the components (optionally set by the movable finger 509a) is the desired spacing, so when the components exit the stuffing means 210 at 503 on the belt 221, they are: The decorative region 217 is prepared to be overwrapped with a paper web. As described above, the blade 223 downstream of the stuffing means 210 is arranged to precisely cut the paper web at each gap between components of the non-tip smoking article. Therefore, the size of the gap between each group of components must be accurate. This is particularly important, for example, with respect to the smoking article of FIG. 1, because the heat source tends to be hard and difficult to cut. Thus, any incorrect spacing can cause damage when the blade attempts to open the heat source. In one embodiment, the gap between groups of components can be 1 mm ± 0.5 mm, ie between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, or more preferably between 0.8 mm and 1.2 mm. .

  The components attach to each wheel by suction and can be transferred between the wheels using known vacuum transfer techniques. However, other techniques can be used.

  In FIG. 5, wheels 213 and 215 are shown with eight movable fingers to fit eight groups of components for eight smoking article rods, but any number of movements greater than one. Possible fingers can be used. Although wheel 211 is shown including seven fixed fingers to fit seven groups of components for seven smoking article rods, any number of fixed fingers can be used. An important feature is that the first wheel 211 holds fewer groups of components than the second wheel 213 so that the components are packed in the transfer from the first wheel to the second wheel. .

  In the decorative area 217, properly spaced components are overwrapped using paper from the paper feeder 219. This can be achieved with conventional methods. As the component moves along the belt on the paper from the paper feeder 219, the channel steadily becomes more cylindrical, thereby wrapping the paper around the component.

  Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 1, each distillate-based smoking article includes a heat conducting element 121 that can be composed of aluminum foil. Preferably, the aluminum foil is pre-applied to the paper 111 before being fed into the paper feeder 219 and wrapped over the components. The application of spaced aluminum foil patches to the paper web can be performed by an apparatus as described in the current patent-pending patent application EP 08250842.5. One such embodiment is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an apparatus used to apply spaced heat transfer elements in the form of aluminum patches to web paper. The apparatus 601 includes a back plate 603, an aluminum foil input 605 from an aluminum foil feeding bobbin 607, an aluminum foil feeding dancing roller 609 and a fixing roller 611, an adhesive applicator 613, a patch cutting drum 615, a paper input 617, and a paper input. A roller 619, a patch transfer drum 621, and a paper output 623. In this embodiment, the device additionally includes a perforated drum 625 and an additional adhesive applicator 627. In FIG. 6, thick lines are used to display an aluminum foil web, thin lines are used to display a paper web, and spaced apart thick sections to display a paper web with an aluminum patch applied. A thin line containing is used.

  The aluminum foil web is fed from feed bobbin 607 to input 605. The aluminum foil is then fed around the dancing roller 609 and can move up and down as shown by the arrows to affect the tension in the foil web. Next, the aluminum foil web is fed in the direction of the arrow through the fixed roller 611 to a further dancing roller 609. The dancing roller 609 sets the speed of the incoming web based on the required speeds in the patch cutting drum 615 and the patch transfer drum 621. After the dancing roller 609, the adhesive applicator 613 applies a continuous or intermittent stream of adhesive areas or lines or adhesive to the web. The bonded aluminum foil web is then advanced toward the patch cutting drum 615 and the patch transfer drum 621. Preferably, suction is applied at the inlet of the patch transfer drum and air is blown outward at the outlet of the patch transfer drum. As the bonded aluminum foil web passes between the patch cutting drum 615 and the patch transfer drum 621, the web is cut into individual aluminum patches. Individual patches (outside of the adhesive side) pass around the patch transfer drum 621 in a clockwise direction. The paper is fed into the paper input roller 619. As the paper contacts the individual aluminum patches on the patch transfer drum 621, the patches are added to the paper. The adhesive can then be dried by a heater (not shown).

  The apparatus allows the aluminum patch to be unevenly spaced on the paper web if necessary (eg, for the component order shown in FIG. 4). In that case, either an electronic drive controller or a mechanical cam (not shown) can adjust the speed of the incoming web so that the patch transfer drum 621 applies patches to the paper web at two different intervals. Change.

  As will be appreciated by the skilled reader, the location of the aluminum patch on the paper web is important because it affects the location of the heat conducting element relative to the heat source and aerosol generating substrate in the resulting smoking article. This has a significant impact on the heat transfer properties of the smoking article, and thus on the reached temperature in the aerosol generating substrate, and thus on the user's smoking experience. The aluminum patch can optionally be secured to the heat source, for example by an adhesive from an applicator 627, to prevent the heat source from falling off the paper overwrap.

  To form perforations 129 in the finished smoking article (see FIG. 1), a perforation drum 625 that perforates paper is used. Perforation can alternatively allow the user to peel a portion of the paper wrap from the heat source. This prevents the paper from burning when the smoking article is ignited. The perforations in FIG. 1 are shown extending around the perimeter of the smoking article. The perforations alternatively extend along the length of the smoking article. Alternatively, the perforations can be added downstream of the tipper.

  Additional units can also be provided for printing or other markings on the paper web in front of input 617 or in the area of adhesive applicator 627.

  Referring again to FIG. 2, the paper web exiting the decorative area 217 is then cut by the blade 223. As described above, the blade 223 cuts the web at intervals between groups of components. After cutting, the mouthpiece can be applied to each non-tip smoking article by tip paper. The tipping of the non-tip smoking article can be performed by any suitable tipping machine (tiping machine).

  That is, in the apparatus shown in FIG. 2, first, the components are fed in a stream along the moving vacuum belt 209. The stuffing means 210 then packs the component stream into groups of components, each group corresponding to a separate non-tip smoking article. The components in the group abut each other, and a predetermined space exists between the preceding group of components and the subsequent group of components. Next, in the decorative area, the component is wrapped in a web of material. Finally, the web of material is cut in each space between the group of components.

203, 205, 207 Component 201 for producing a smoking article Device 217 for combining components Packaging means 223 Cutting means

Claims (17)

A method of combining two or more different components for the production of a smoking article, wherein at least one of the components is cleanly uncuttable, comprising:
Feeding a stream of components along a mobile delivery path (209);
Packing the component stream into two or more groups of different components, each group corresponding to an individual smoking article, the components in the group abutting each other, and a preceding group of components And a stage in which a predetermined space exists between the subsequent group of components;
Wrapping the component in a web of material;
Cutting the web of material in each space between groups of components;
A method comprising the steps of:   The method of claim 1, wherein the components on the delivery path (209) substantially align their longitudinal axes with each other and in the direction of movement of the delivery path.   3. The order of the components on the mobile delivery path (209) corresponds to smoking articles that are all oriented in the same direction with respect to the direction of movement of the delivery path. The method described.   After the step of cutting the web of material in each space between groups of components, rotating the smoking article at each turn so that adjacent smoking articles are oriented in the opposite direction to the direction of movement. The method of claim 3, further comprising:   3. The order of the components on the moving delivery path (209) corresponds to alternating smoking articles that face in opposite directions to the direction of movement of the delivery path. The method described in 1. Each group of components corresponds to a separate non-tip smoking article,
Attaching a tip to the non-tip smoking article using a tip to form a smoking article;
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:   The two or more different components include a cleanly non-cutable heat source (103, 203), an aerosol generating substrate (105, 205), and an elongated expansion chamber (107a, 107b, 207), which are individually Each group corresponding to a smoking article includes one of the cleanly non-cutable heat sources, one or more of the aerosol generating substrate, and one or more of the elongated expansion chamber. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.   The method of claim 7, wherein the web of material includes thermally conductive elements spaced along the inside of the web of material.   Applying an adhesive zone or line or a continuous or intermittent stream of adhesive to the web of heat conducting material or to the patch; and a spaced patch of the heat conducting material to the inside of the web of material 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: applying.   Prior to the step of wrapping the component in the web of material, further comprising applying an adhesive zone or line or continuous or intermittent stream of adhesive to the inside of the web of material. 10. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that An apparatus (201) for combining two or more different components for the production of a smoking article wherein at least one of the components is cleanly uncuttable,
Feeding means (203a, 205a, 207a) for feeding a stream of components along a mobile delivery path (209);
Packing the component stream into groups of two or more different components, each group corresponding to an individual smoking article, the components in the group abutting each other, and the component's predecessor Stuffing means (210) in which a predetermined space exists between the group and a subsequent group of components;
Wrapping means (217) for wrapping said component in a web of material;
Cutting means (223) for cutting the web of material in each space between groups of components;
The apparatus characterized by including.   12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the order of the components on the moving delivery path (209) corresponds to smoking articles that are all oriented in the same direction relative to the direction of movement of the delivery path.   A rotating drum for rotating the smoking article each time the cutting means (223) is rotated such that adjacent smoking articles alternate in a direction opposite to the direction of movement. 12. The apparatus according to 12.   12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the order of the components on the moving delivery path (209) corresponds to alternating smoking articles oriented in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the delivery path. The stuffing means (210)
A first wheel (211) having circumferentially spaced stationary fingers (505a) for separating the component stream into groups of components, each group corresponding to an individual smoking article;
The circumferentially spaced movable fingers (507a) tighter than the fixed fingers on the first wheel (211) for packing the components in a group so that they abut one another; A second wheel (213) downstream of the first wheel;
A third wheel (215 downstream of the second wheel) having movable fingers (509a) spaced circumferentially to set the predetermined space between a preceding group of components and a subsequent group of components )When,
including,
15. An apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that: Each group of components corresponds to a separate non-tip smoking article,
A tipper machine downstream of the cutting means (223) for tipping the non-tipped smoking article with a tip to form a smoking article;
16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 15, further comprising:   The two or more different components include a cleanly non-cutable heat source (103, 203), an aerosol generating substrate (105, 205), and an elongated expansion chamber (107a, 107b, 207), which are individually Each group corresponding to a smoking article includes one of the cleanly non-cutable heat sources, one or more of the aerosol generating substrate, and one or more of the elongated expansion chamber. The apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein:

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