KR20220116482A - How to assemble an aerosol-generating article - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for assembling an aerosol-generating article, wherein a first component ( 1 ) of the aerosol-generating article is arranged in a first groove ( 3 ), and an at least partially hollow second component of the aerosol-generating article The element 2 is arranged in the second groove 4 . The first component ( 1 ) has a second component in the second groove ( 4 ) by moving the first groove ( 3 ) relatively in the second direction ( 200 ) relative to the guide element ( 6 ) having an engaging surface ( 7 ). It is pushed into the element 2 along the first groove 3 in a first direction 100 , such that the engagement surface 7 engages the first component 1 and pushes it out in the first direction 100 . The present invention provides a device for assembling an aerosol-generating article and the use of an inclined engagement surface (7) for inserting a first component (1) into an at least partially hollow second component (2) of an aerosol-generating article. provide more

Description

How to assemble an aerosol-generating article

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for assembling an aerosol-generating article, and to the use of an inclined engagement surface for inserting a first component into a second component of an aerosol-generating article.

It is known, for example, from the prior art document EP 2 552 255 B1 to insert a capsule longitudinally into a hollow opening in the absorbent material of a cigarette.

EP 2 999 363 B1 and US 3,513,856 A teach the use of a plunger for inserting a filter element into the mouthpiece of a smoking article, wherein the plunger moves longitudinally in the direction of the flute of a rotating building drum. More specifically, EP 2 999 363 B1 discloses a method for assembling segments of a smoking article, wherein a transfer tool moves a truncated hollow cone into an air intake tube of a heated smoking article. US 3,513,856 A discloses the assembly of a filter into the tube end of a cigarette mouthpiece, a spring-loaded plunger pushing the filter along a flute into the mouthpiece. For this purpose, a stationary cam is provided which engages the rear end of the spring-loaded plunger. DE 28 09 619 discloses a device for varying the distance in the axial direction between two adjacent rows of items transferred laterally in a trough, which can be used when assembling filter-tip cigarettes. WO 03/049560 A1 discloses a device for displacing a first terminal filter element in a cigarette, wherein the cigarette is arranged on a drum, and the disk carrying a plurality of punchers with an axis of rotation inclined towards the axis of rotation of the drum arranged across the drum.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a reliable apparatus, method and use for assembling components of an aerosol-generating article.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for assembling an aerosol-generating article, wherein a first component of the aerosol-generating article is arranged in a first groove and a second at least partially hollow of the aerosol-generating article The component is arranged in the second groove. The first component pushes along the first groove into the second component in the first direction by moving the first groove relative to the guide element having the engagement surface in the second direction, such that the engagement surface is with the first component. engage and push the first component in a first direction. In particular, the first groove is moved in the second direction while the guiding element remains stationary. In an alternative embodiment, the first groove can remain stationary, while the guiding element is moved in the second direction. In another alternative embodiment, both the first groove and the guide element can be moved in opposite directions along the second direction.

The first direction and the second direction are different and are preferably inclined or arranged perpendicular to each other. By being forced to move relative to the engagement surface in the second direction, the first component is pushed in the first direction along the first groove and into the hollow portion of the second component. Contrary to the prior art, it is not necessary to provide a plunger for pushing the component.

In particular, the engagement surface is inclined with respect to the second direction. The position of the engagement surface in the first direction may be defined by a function of the position of the engagement surface in the second direction. This function may in particular be a linear function, a differentiable function, or a continuous but non-differentiable function. When the engagement surface is defined by a linear function, the slope of the engagement surface is constant. This may be possible such that the speed of the first component in the first direction is substantially constant, while the speed of movement of the first groove in the second direction is constant.

When the engagement surface is defined by a differentiable function, the slope of the engagement surface changes only gradually, that is, the engagement surface is smooth. This allows the speed of the first component in the first direction to be variable, while the speed of movement of the first groove in the second direction can be constant.

When the engagement surface is defined by a continuous but non-differentiable function, at least one sharp bend may be present in the engagement surface. This allows the speed of the first component in the first direction to be varied in an unstable manner, for example during an abrupt increase or decrease, while the speed of movement of the first groove in the second direction may be constant. .

The inner circumferential surface of the first groove and the inner circumferential surface of the second groove are coplanar with respect to each other and may be continuous, in particular forming a section of one integral groove. Alternatively, the inner circumferential surface of the first groove may not be coplanar with the inner circumferential surface of the second groove. That is, there may be a step in the bonding surface between the first groove and the second groove. Several sets of first and second grooves may be arranged next to each other in the second direction. The guide element may extend over at least several of the first grooves.

The first component has a proximal end and a distal end relative to the second component. The proximal end of the first component is the distal end of the first component, which is closer to the second component in the initial configuration. The distal end of the first component is the distal end of the first component, which is further away from the second component in the initial configuration.

The first component may be a capsule comprising an alkaloid containing powder, in particular a nicotine dry powder. Therefore, it is important that the capsule is not damaged during insertion into the second component, as otherwise the entire production line could be adversely affected. The method is capable of assembling more than several thousand aerosol-generating articles per minute. Broken capsules may require discontinuing assembly manufacturing and performing cleaning operations.

The second component has a proximal end and a distal end relative to the first component. The proximal end of the second component is the distal end of the second component, which is closer to the first component in the initial configuration. The distal end of the second component is the distal end of the second component, which is further away from the first component in the initial configuration.

The second component may in particular be a tube formed of paper or cardboard. In some embodiments, the second component may be a hollow cellulose acetate tube.

The first component may have a first cylindrical section and a second cylindrical section, wherein a diameter of the first section is greater than a diameter of the second section. Preferably, the first section of the first component is arranged on a proximal end of the first component relative to the second component. This arrangement may facilitate assembly as the friction force may be more constant during insertion. Alternatively, the first portion of the first component may be arranged on a distal end of the first component relative to the second component. This may facilitate assembly initially, but leads to higher friction towards the distal end of the assembly.

In particular, the first component may be a joint capsule consisting of two parts. That is, the capsule is formed by inserting the cylindrical second section into the cylindrical first section. Preferably, the two cylindrical sections form an enclosed volume inside the capsule. The contents of the capsule may be arranged in such a closed volume. The content may be an alkaloid-containing powder.

In one embodiment, the second component is formed at least partially as a cavity at its proximal end relative to the first component. The wall thickness of the cavity at the proximal end of the second component may correspond to the height of the stage between the second groove and the first groove. Accordingly, the interior surface of the cavity and the surface of the first groove may be at least partially coplanar. This may facilitate insertion of the first component as it may slide along this coplanar surface during insertion.

In particular, the cavity may have the form of a cylinder or a truncated cone. The first groove and the second groove may have different depths or different radii of curvature, or different depths and radii of curvature. A difference in depth or radius of curvature may correspond to a height of a step between the second groove and the first groove.

In one embodiment, the first component and the second component are substantially aligned in their longitudinal direction to facilitate insertion, and in case of misalignment, the second component is moved by the first component in the first direction. 2 is pushed out of the groove. In particular, in the case of misalignment, the first component pushed by the guide element applies a higher force to the second component than the holding force of the second component in the second groove, so that the second component is pushed out of the second groove. The second component may be held by a holding force due to at least one of friction provided in the groove and the air intake opening. Ejection of misalignment of the second element may be facilitated by a ramp at the distal end of the second groove or by an open end at the distal end of the second groove. In particular, the distal end of the second groove is open. That is, there is no counter-wall surface at the distal end of the second groove.

A second guide element in the form of a fixed downward holder element may be provided radially above or outside the second groove. The second guiding element provides an engagement surface at a constant height or radial distance from the second groove. This height or radial distance corresponds substantially to the height or diameter of the second component ensuring that the second component cannot be dislodged from the second groove in the height or radial direction.

The first component and the second component are aligned in particular by being arranged substantially coaxially such that the outer shape of the first component corresponds to the inner shape of the cavity of the second component. Thus, when the first component and the second component are aligned, the predominant urging force on the first component in the first direction is caused by the guiding element gradually covering the first groove towards the second component in the second groove. caused The urging force must overcome friction between the first and second components. The holding force of the second component in the second groove should be higher than the pressing force. In case of misalignment or other malfunction of the first component and the second component during assembly, the holding force of the second component in the second groove may be lower than the pressing force. As a result, the second component can be pushed out of the second groove.

In particular, the first groove and the second groove can be provided in axial alignment on the drum, wherein the drum rotates relative to the guide element, wherein the guide element is arranged radially outside the drum and around the circumferential direction of the drum. At least partially arranged. The first direction may be an axial direction of the drum. The second direction may be a circumferential direction of the drum.

In particular, the engagement surface is inclined with respect to the circumferential direction of the drum. Thus, rotation of the drum results in a gradual movement of the first groove under the guide element. This means, in relative terms of the first groove, moving the first component along the first groove in the direction of the second component and into the second groove, while the engaging surface of the guide element moves in the first direction towards the second groove. It means pushing into the second component which is arranged.

Preferably, the engagement surface is arranged radially outside the proximal end of the second groove relative to the first groove when the component is fully inserted into the second component. The proximal end of the second groove to the first groove is the end of the second groove closest to or adjacent to the first groove. Since the second component is arranged in the second groove, this makes it possible to fully insert the first component into the second component.

In one implementation, the inner diameter of the second component is equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the first component such that the friction fit retains the first component within the second component. The first component may be pushed or squeezed into the hollow portion of the cavity or the second component. This may enable a friction fit between the first component and the second component to retain the first component within the second component. This friction fit may be made possible by the inner surface of the second component, or it may be provided by an elastic protrusion on the inner surface of the second component or the outer surface of the first component.

Alternatively, in one implementation, the inner diameter of the second component may be greater than the outer diameter of the first component, such that the first component can be easily pushed into the second component by an insertion force from the guiding element. Because of the dimensional difference, inserting the first component into the second component is facilitated as the second component introduces less resistance to the first component.

According to another aspect of the invention, a first groove for receiving a first component of the aerosol-generating article, a second groove for receiving a second at least partially hollow component of the aerosol-generating article, and a beveled engagement surface There is provided an apparatus for assembling an aerosol-generating article comprising a guide element having a The first groove and the second groove extend in the first direction. The first groove and the second groove are movable relative to the guide element in a second direction, while the inclined engagement surface is arranged over the first groove or the second groove. The beveled engagement surface may be arranged at least partially or completely overlapping the first groove in the first direction, and optionally may partially overlap the second groove in the first direction. The device pushes the first component or the second component such that the first component can be pushed into the second component or the second component can be pushed over the first component.

In one embodiment, the first groove and the second groove are formed on the drum, wherein the guide element is arranged at least partially around the circumference of the drum, and the inclined engagement surface is inclined with respect to the circumferential direction of the drum. The first direction may be an axial direction of the drum. The second direction may be a circumferential direction of the drum. Thus, rotation of the drum enables the inclined engagement surface to move relative to the first groove and the second groove in the respective axial direction.

The drum may be rotatable. The drive may be configured to rotate the drum. The guide element may be stationary. A feeding device for feeding the first component and the second component to the fluted drum can be arranged in a fixed position. Also, an assembled element consisting of a first component inserted within a second component can be discharged to a downstream device in a fixed position. The drum is capable of inserting the first component into the second component while circumferentially transporting the first component and the second component.

The second groove may open in its axial direction on its distal end relative to the first groove. A ramp may be provided on the distal end of the second groove. In particular, the distal end of the second groove is open. That is, there is no counter-wall surface at the distal end of the second groove.

The first groove may be configured to provide a smaller holding force to the first component than the second groove to the second component. This may be made possible by different numbers or sizes of air intake openings or holes configured to retain the components in the grooves, or by different negative pressures applied to the air intake openings or holes holding the respective components. can The first groove for the first component may have a lower coefficient of friction than the second groove for the second component. This may be made possible by different coatings or materials of the grooves or components. For example, the first groove may be at least partially provided with a polymer coating, in particular a polytetrafluoroethylene coating, in order to reduce the coefficient of friction.

At least one of these features may enable movement of the second component in the first direction to be lower than movement of the first component in the first direction, which causes the first component into the second component. to be able to insert In particular, the second groove may be configured to retain the second component fixed relative to the second groove.

The negative pressure holding means may be provided in at least the second groove, adapted such that the retaining force on the second component in the extension direction of the second groove is greater than the retaining force on the first element in the extension direction of the first groove. In particular, the negative pressure maintaining means may be one or several air intake openings or holes connected to the negative pressure source.

A detection system may be provided, and the detection system may be configured to detect the presence of the first component within the second component in the second groove. Preferably, the detection system is coupled with the discharge system for discarding any defective second component from the second groove. The defect may be, inter alia, an absence of the first component within the second component, a damaged first or second component, or an incorrect positioning of the second component within the second groove.

In particular, the detection system may be a capacitive sensor that captures whether the first component has been properly inserted into the second component. If a defective insertion condition is detected, the second component, or the second component and the first component, may be marked for discharge within the discharge system. A protective cover can be arranged between the second groove and the detection system, in particular a transparent protective cover made, for example, of a transparent polymer. The exhaust system may be a nozzle or orifice that provides a pressurized jet of air, which applies a higher ejection force to the second component than the holding force of the second groove. The pressurized air jet may be provided through an air intake opening or hole in the second groove or through a separately provided nozzle, opening or hole.

The apparatus may comprise an electronic controller configured to carry out method steps according to an embodiment of the method according to the invention. In particular, the electronic controller may have input/output electronics for communicating with the various parts of the device, in particular the drives and actuators, and controlling them to carry out the corresponding method steps. The drive unit and the actuator may be configured to automatically execute the method steps according to commands of the electronic controller.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a first component is attached to an at least partially hollow second component of an aerosol-generating article by engaging the first component with an inclined engagement surface and moving the first component along the engagement surface. The use of an inclined engagement surface for inserting an element is provided. In particular, the engagement surface is inclined with respect to the direction of movement of the first component relative to the second component. The slope can be defined by a linear function, a differentiable function, or a continuous but non-differentiable function. A direction of movement of the first component relative to the second component may be defined by the groove. The inclined engagement surface is moved relative to the groove in the axial direction of the groove. In particular, grooves may be provided on the rotary drum.

In particular, the first groove and the second groove extend in the axial direction of the drum. Preferably, the first groove and the second groove are coaxial. In particular, several sets of first and second grooves are arranged equidistantly around the circumference of the drum. In particular, the first groove and the second groove have different curvatures. In particular, the first and second grooves have different curvature radii.

In one embodiment, the first and second grooves may have the same cross-section.

In particular, the device, method and use according to the invention can be used for the manufacture of an aerosol-generating article in the form of a stick comprising a second component in the form of an empty tube, into which a first component is inserted in the form of a capsule.

Capsules may contain an alkaloid containing powder, in particular a nicotine dry powder formulation. The capsule may be configured to be pierced by a puncturing element prior to use such that the nicotine dry powder may be released for consumption. The second component may be made of cardboard or wrapping paper rolled into a tubular form. The second component may have at least one open end for insertion of the first component. The largest outer diameter of the first component about the longitudinal axis of the first component may be equal to or inferior to the inner diameter of the second component for easy insertion. The first component and the second component are separately manufactured and provided for the apparatus, method, and use.

The methods, apparatus and uses according to the present invention are operable to process more than 1000 respective first and second components per minute. The method and apparatus according to the invention can in particular make it possible to safely and efficiently insert a first component into a second component without damaging or destroying the first component. The drum may be a rotating drum having on its outer surface a plurality of flutes arranged parallel along the longitudinal axis of the drum. The flutes may each include a first groove and a second coaxial groove. There may be a suction system that holds the contents of each groove, either the first component or the second component.

Further, the apparatus may include at least one feed drum or hopper, capable of feeding a first component in a first groove and a second component in a second groove. The guide element system may be stationary and may be provided at least partially in a fixed position around the circumference of the drum. The drum may rotate about a horizontal axis. The first and second components may be held in their respective grooves by air intake while the drum rotates. The at least one first groove may extend from a first axial position of the drum to a second axial position of the drum. In particular, the first axial position on the drum may be an axially inward position on the drum. The at least one second groove may extend from a second axial position of the drum to a third axial position of the drum. The third axial position of the drum may be at an axial end of the drum. The first and second grooves may extend in an axial direction of the drum. The first and second grooves may be inclined with respect to the axial direction of the drum. The first groove and the second groove may have the shape of a circular segment in their cross-section.

In particular, the first groove may have a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the second groove. The difference between the radius of curvature of the first groove and the radius of curvature of the second groove is preferably inferior to or equal to the difference between the outer radius of the second component and the outer radius of the first component. The second groove may be open at the axial end of the drum. Accordingly, the second groove may not have a counter-wall surface. The guiding element is preferably arranged on the circumferential part of the drum, such that, along with the rotation of the insertion drum, the guiding element covering the circumferential part of the drum gradually and completely covers the first set of grooves from the first axial position to the second axial position. cover the

The method and apparatus of the present invention may enable a stationary guiding element to progressively push the contents of a first set of grooves towards the contents of a second set of grooves. Accordingly, the first component can be pushed from the first groove past the second axial position into the second groove. The coaxial first and second grooves having different radii of curvature can in particular gradually move the first component into the second component without any obstruction between the first and second grooves. Also, if there is a problem inserting the first component into the second component, the open second groove in the axial end of the drum allows the second component to be pushed over the axial end of the drum.

In one embodiment, a detection system for a drum is provided, in particular arranged downstream of the guiding element and detecting insertion of a first component into a second component. Further, the detection system may be configured to check the integrity of the first component within the second component. The detection system may be a capacitive sensor. The detection system may be coupled with an exhaust system for disposing of the first component, the second component, or if the first component and the second component are detected to be defective.

The present invention also provides an insertion drum configured to carry both a first component in the form of a capsule and a second component comprising a cavity with a flute provided on the circumference of the drum. The flutes may extend in the axial direction of the drum. An inclined engagement surface may be provided at least partially over the flutes. Preferably, the flutes are opened on at least one axially distal side of the insertion drum, in particular by not having a counter-wall surface. The flute may include aligned first and second grooves.

The radius of curvature and the depth of the first groove and the second groove may be different. The end between the grooves may have a height corresponding to a difference in radius between the first groove and the second groove.

Due to the difference in diameter of the first section and the second section of the first component, the first component can be arranged with a slight tilt in the first groove, in particular the first section has a larger diameter towards the second groove has In particular, the air intake openings or holes in the first and second grooves are connected to the negative pressure source. In particular, the pressure in the negative pressure source is adjusted such that the insertion force does not significantly axially move the second component during the insertion process.

The guiding element covers the circumferential part of the drum such that during rotation of the drum the guiding element gradually covers the first groove. Thus, the guide element pushes the first component along the first groove and into the second component in the second groove.

In an alternative embodiment, the second component can be pushed by the guiding element towards the first component, such that the second component is pushed over the first component.

The first groove may be covered with a low friction material, in particular a polymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene, to reduce friction against the first component.

In particular, the first component is a brittle element containing contents, and spillage of the contents into the device should be avoided. The second groove may have no counter-wall surface or an exit ramp so that when a problem occurs while inserting the first component into the second component, the second component and the first component move relative to the second groove. Thus, a high force is prevented from being applied on the first component.

The open distal end of the second groove relative to the first groove reduces the risk of breaking the capsule-shaped first component when a failure of the insertion operation occurs. By reducing the risk of capsule breakage, which could lead to the need to clean the device, and thus significantly impacting the assembly process, machine downtime is significantly reduced. The supply of the first component and the second component can be provided to the drum by means of two different upstream transfer elements, in particular a rotating drum. The upstream transport element may be arranged such that the first component is arranged in a first groove and the second component is arranged in a second groove very adjacent to each other.

The detection system may detect the integrity of the first component after insertion.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be further described with reference to the drawings:
1 shows a top view of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 shows cross sections 400-400, as indicated in Figure 1;
3 shows a front perspective view of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention;
4 shows a schematic diagram of a method according to an embodiment of the invention;
5 shows a schematic diagram of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The device according to FIG. 1 makes it possible to insert a first component 1 in the form of a capsule into a second component 2 in the form of a hollow tube. The first component 1 is arranged in the first groove 3 , while the second component 2 is arranged in the second groove 4 . The first grooves 3 and the second grooves 4 are arranged on the circumferential surface of the drum 5 and extend preferably in the first direction 100 of the drum 5 , ie parallel to the axial direction. . In particular, several pairs of coaxial first and second grooves are evenly distributed around the circumference of the drum, preferably in the second direction 200 , ie in the circumferential direction.

The drum 5 is driven to rotate about a central axis 300 . A stationary guide element 6 is arranged at least partially around the circumference of the drum 5 . The guiding element 6 comprises an engagement surface 7 on the proximal side of the guiding element 6 with respect to the second groove 4 . The engagement surface 7 is configured to push the first component 1 into the second component 2 in the axial direction 100 .

In particular, the first component 1 rotates with the drum 5 and slides along the guide element 6 . As the guiding element 6 gradually covers the first groove 3 as the drum rotates relative to the guiding element 6 , the engaging surface 7 engages the first component 1 with the second component. (2) Push inward.

In FIG. 2 , cross-sections 400-400 indicated in FIG. 1 are shown. 2 shows the beginning of the insertion process of the first component 1 into the second component 2 . As shown in FIG. 2 , the first component 1 has a proximal end 8 close to the second component 2 . The first component has a distal end 9 distal from the first component 2 . The second component 2 has a proximal end 10 close to the first component 1 . The second component 2 has a distal end 11 distal from the first component 1 .

The first component 1 may include a first cylindrical section 12 , and a second cylindrical section 13 , the diameter of the first section 12 being greater than the diameter of the second section 13 . In particular, the cylindrical first section 12 is arranged closer to the proximal end 8 of the first component 1 than to the distal end 9 . In particular, the first component 1 is a capsule, wherein the first section 12 and the second section 13 jointly form a capsule body filled with an ingredient. Each of the first section 12 and the second section 13 is a cap. The open end of the first section 12 clings to the open end of the second section 13 to form an enclosed volume inside the capsule body. Thus, by arranging the cylindrical first section 12 proximal to the second component 2 , on the cylindrical first section 12 during insertion of the first component 1 in the second component 2 . A counter-force applied by the second component 2 is induced in the closing direction of the first cylindrical section 12 , and the first component 1 remains closed during insertion. Also, by arranging the cylindrical first section 12 proximal to the second component 2 , when the edge of the first cylindrical section 12 potentially clings to the edge of the second component 2 during insertion. There is no risk of the capsule breaking.

The second component 2 comprises a cavity 14 provided at least at its proximal end 10 . In this embodiment, the second component 2 is provided in the form of a hollow tube. The inner passage of the tube defines a cavity (14).

A stage 15 is present between the first groove 3 and the second groove 4 . In particular, the first groove 3 has a first depth 500 and the second groove 4 has a second depth 600 , wherein the height of the stage 15 is the second depth 600 and the first depth 600 . corresponding to the difference between the depths 500 . The second depth 600 is greater than the first depth 500 . In particular, the first groove 3 has a cross section in the form of a circular segment, the height of which is defined by the first depth 500 . In particular, the second groove 4 has a cross section in the form of a circular segment, the height of which is defined by the second depth 600 . In a preferred embodiment, the height of the stage 15 corresponds to the wall thickness of the second component 2 at its proximal end 10 so that the cavity 14 and the first groove 3 are at least partially coplanar. let it be This facilitates the insertion process of the first component 1 into the second component 2 .

In particular, at least one air intake opening 16 may be provided in the first groove 3 to retain the first component 1 . At least one air intake opening 17 may be provided in the second groove 4 to retain the second component. The air intake openings 16 , 17 may be holes or bores facing the inside of the drum 5 . Preferably, several air intake openings 17 are provided in the second groove 4 along the longitudinal extension of the second groove 4 to properly accommodate the second component during insertion of the first component 1 . make it possible to keep

The second groove 4 extends to the axial end side 18 of the drum 5 . Thus, the second groove 4 opens in the axial direction 100 on its distal end 19 with respect to the first groove 3 . The second component 2 can be pushed out of the second groove 4 via the axial distal side 18 of the drum 5 . When a force in the longitudinal direction of the second groove 4, which is greater than the holding force and potential friction force of the air intake opening 17, is applied to the second component 2, the second component 2 (4) pushed out.

This can eject the second component 2 in case insertion of the first component 1 fails, for example due to misalignment of the first component 1 and the second component 2 . let there be As can be seen in FIG. 2 , the drum 5 may be formed of individual segments connected to each other in the axial direction. In particular, the first segment may comprise a first groove 3 and the second segment may comprise a second groove 4 .

1 shows a detection system 20 arranged in the guiding element 6 , in particular downstream of the circumferential surface of the guiding element 6 . The detection system 20 is suitable for checking the presence of the first component 1 inside the second component 2 . If such a presence is not detected, the second component 2 can be evacuated from the drum 5 using, for example, a pressurized air jet.

The second guide element 21 is in the form of a fixed downward holder extending circumferentially over at least several of the second grooves 2 while the second grooves 3 carry the second component. The second guiding element 21 is in the form of a circular arc partially extending around the circumference of the drum 5 . The second guide element 21 acts as a supplement to the suction force from the air intake opening 17 , such that the second groove 4 during rotational movement or insertion of the second component 2 onto the drum 5 . ) to help keep

3 shows a front perspective view of a drum 5 rotating in a circumferential direction 200 about a central axis 300 . Thus, in the relative coordinate system of the drum 5 , the inclined engagement surface 7 moves in the axial direction 100 over the first and second grooves 3 , 4 . The engagement surface 7 pushes the first component 1 present in the first groove 3 into the second component 2 , which is retained in the second groove 4 .

This principle is also shown in FIG. 4 , where the engagement surface 7 progressively pushes the first component 1 into the second component 2 . The drum 5 and the first groove 3 and the second groove 4 , arranged on the circumference of the drum 5 , are displaced in the circumferential direction 200 , while a guide with an inclined engagement surface 7 . Element 6 remains stationary. The engagement surface 7 is inclined with respect to the circumferential direction 200 and the axial direction 100 .

In an alternative embodiment, instead of circumferential movement of the groove due to rotation of the drum, the grooves in the second direction relative to the guide element such that the inclined engagement surface pushes the first component into the second component in the second direction. A linear movement may be provided. In particular, the movement of the grooves in the second direction may be perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the grooves in the first direction.

FIG. 5 shows the ejection of the second component 2 when insertion of the first component 1 fails, in particular due to misalignment with the second component 2 . If the outer diameter of the first component 1 is out of the tolerance range, or the inner diameter of the second component 2 is out of the tolerance range, the insertion may also fail. This may result in a higher axial force on the second component 2 applied during insertion of the first component 1 . During an unsuccessful insertion, the second component 2 may be pushed out of the second groove 4 in the first direction 100 . This applies in particular when the insertion force is higher than the holding force of the second component 2 in the longitudinal direction of the second groove 4 . Thus, it is avoided that an unsuccessful insertion leads to a damaged first component. First and second components that cannot be properly assembled are automatically removed from the assembly process.

Claims (14)

A method for assembling an aerosol-generating article, comprising:
arranging a first component of the aerosol-generating article in a first groove;
arranging a second at least partially hollow component of the aerosol-generating article in a second groove;
by moving the first groove relative to a guide element having an engagement surface in a second direction, thereby pushing the first component in a first direction along the first groove into a second component in the second groove; , causing the engagement surface to engage the first component and push in the first direction. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first component is a capsule comprising an alkaloid containing powder. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first component has a first cylindrical section and a second cylindrical section, the diameter of the first section being greater than the diameter of the second section. 4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the second component is at least partially formed as a cavity at its proximal end, wherein the wall thickness of the cavity at the proximal end is such that the second groove and the first corresponding to the height of the step between the grooves. 5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first component and the second component are substantially aligned in their longitudinal direction to enable insertion, and in case of misalignment, the second component comprises: pushed out of the second groove in the first direction by the first component. 6. The guiding element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first groove and the second groove are provided in axial alignment on a drum, the drum rotates relative to the guiding element, the guiding element comprising the arranged radially outside the drum and at least partially arranged along a circumferential direction of the drum. 7. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein when the first component is fully inserted into the second component, the engagement surface is external to the proximal end of the second groove relative to the first groove. arranged radially in the method. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the inner diameter of the second component is greater than the outer diameter of the first component, so that the first component is caused by an insertion force from the guiding element to cause the second component. A method that can be easily pushed into a component. A device for assembling an aerosol-generating article, comprising:
a first groove for receiving a first component of the aerosol-generating article;
a second groove for receiving an at least partially hollow second component of the aerosol-generating article; and
a guide element having an inclined engagement surface;
The first groove and the second groove extend in a first direction,
the first groove and the second groove are movable relative to the guide element in a second direction, while the inclined engagement surface is arranged over the first groove or the second groove;
wherein the first and second grooves are formed on the drum, the guiding element is arranged at least partially around a circumference of the drum, and the engaging surface of the guiding element is inclined with respect to the circumferential direction of the drum; A device for assembling an aerosol-generating article. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the drum is rotatable and the guide element is stationary. 11. The device of claim 9 or 10, wherein the second groove is open in its axial direction on its distal end relative to the first groove. 12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein negative pressure retaining means are provided at least in the second groove, wherein the retaining force on the second component in the extension direction of the second groove is and configured to be greater than a retention force on the first component in an extension direction of the first groove. 13. Apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein a detection system suitable for detecting the presence of the first component inside a second component in the second groove is provided. An angle for inserting a first component into an at least partially hollow second component of an aerosol-generating article by engaging the first component with the engagement surface and moving the first component along the engagement surface Applications of photo-engaging surfaces.

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