RU2810767C2 - Moulding installation for moulding continuous tubular rod, production line for producing continuous tubular rod and method for moulding continuous tubular rod from continuous rod material - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: moulding.

SUBSTANCE: moulding installation and a method for forming a tubular rod from a rod material. The forming installation includes a forming device with a tubular element configured to form a continuous rod material into a continuous tubular rod. The moulding device includes a fluid compressor for generating pressurized fluid, wherein the fluid compressor is in fluid communication with the tubular member to supply pressurized fluid to the continuous tubular rod for heating or cooling the continuous tubular rod. The moulding device further comprises a plurality of fluid passages for supplying pressurized fluid from the fluid compressor to a plurality of injection points located along the conveying path, wherein at least two fluid passages of the plurality of fluid passages comprise a pressure control unit comprising pressure sensor and device that influences pressure.

EFFECT: improved control of the moulding process to improve the quality and stability of the moulded rods.

14 cl, 6 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to a forming apparatus and a method for forming a tubular rod from a rod material.

There are known installations and methods for molding hollow acetate tubes using a plasticizer, see for example WO 2017/114871 or WO 2017/089514. Typically, the plasticizer is distributed over an acetate rod. The treated rod is then heated and formed into a rod shape. Heat treatment with steam followed by air cooling stabilizes the rod material in the form of a rod. The heating and cooling regime influences the core forming process in such a way that heating and cooling not tailored to the specific materials used can negatively affect the core forming process.

It is desirable to have a forming apparatus and a forming method that improves the process of forming the tubular rod. In particular, it is desirable to improve the control of the molding process to improve the quality and stability of the molded cores.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a molding unit comprising a conveying path comprising a feeding path for continuously supplying a continuous rod material along a conveying direction of the conveying path. The installation comprises a forming device connected to a downstream end of the supply path, wherein the forming device is configured to form a continuous tubular rod from a continuous rod material. The forming device includes a tubular member configured to pass continuous rod material through the tubular member to form a continuous tubular rod. The forming device further comprises a fluid compressor configured to create a fluid under pressure. A fluid compressor is in fluid communication with the tubular member to supply pressurized fluid to the continuous rod material or to the continuous tubular rod, respectively, to heat or cool the continuous rod material or tubular rod by the pressurized fluid. The forming device further includes a plurality of fluid passages for supplying pressurized fluid from the fluid compressor to a plurality of injection points located along the transport path for subsequent heating or cooling of the continuous rod material in the tubular member. Preferably, at least two fluid channels of the plurality of fluid channels comprise a pressure control unit comprising a pressure sensor and a pressure influencing device.

The pressurized fluid is supplied from the fluid compressor through a distribution system containing several fluid channels to the molding device. Preferably, two to ten fluid channels are available in the molding plant, more preferably three to seven fluid channels, for example five fluid channels. For example, the fluid channel may be a pipe, tube or passage, or a combination of pipes, tubes and passages.

The pressure control units may be located in the molding unit between the fluid compressor and the rod material in the tubular member or a continuous rod molded in the tubular member. Preferably, the pressure control unit, in particular the pressure sensor, is located adjacent to the position where the rod material is treated with the pressurized fluid. This makes it possible to very accurately measure the pressure of the pressurized fluid acting on the rod material, which is an advantage. The pressure influencing device located adjacent to the injection point of the pressurized fluid allows pressure differences of the pressurized fluid at the injection point to be set or adjusted to the desired pressure of the pressurized fluid acting on the rod material.

The pressure influencing device can be used, for example, to compensate for pressure losses between the fluid compressor and the rod material. For example, pressure losses can be caused by pressure differences in the distribution system of a molding plant. The pressure influencing device can also be used generally to further increase the pressure or decrease the pressure of the pressurized fluid supplied from the fluid compressor. In this way, the compressor can be configured to produce fluid under pressure at a predetermined value, for example an average value. Preferably, individual pressure control of the pressurized fluid is carried out in separate fluid channels adjacent to the fluid injection point. The use of a pressure control unit also allows the use of fluid compressors that are not capable of supplying pressurized fluid within the required pressure range. In this case, the pressure control unit can provide the desired temperature range.

Preferably, the pressure control units are located as close as possible to the rod material to be processed so that the pressure loss of the pressurized fluid is as low as possible after the fluid pressure has been set or adjusted to the desired value. In this case, the measured pressure values exactly correspond to the actual pressure of the pressurized fluid acting on the rod material, which is an advantage.

Preferably, the pressure control units are located in the end sections of at least two fluid channels at injection points of the pressurized fluid.

Preferably, the pressure sensor is located upstream of the pressure influencing device. In this way, the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor can be directly used to activate the pressure influencing device.

The pressure influencing device may be a pressure increasing device, a pressure decreasing device, or a pressure decreasing and increasing device.

Preferably, the pressure influencing device is a pressure regulator configured and capable of decreasing pressure, more preferably configured and capable of decreasing or increasing pressure in a fluid passage, more preferably in at least two fluid passages.

The pressure regulator may, for example, be a restrictor that limits the passage of pressurized air into the fluid passage.

The pressure regulator may, for example, be an actuated screw located in the fluid passage. By operating as a pressure reducing device, the screw can slow the flow of pressurized fluid passing through the fluid passage. By operating as a pressure increasing device, the screw can accelerate the flow of pressurized fluid passing through the fluid passage. The screw can also be used to change the speed of the pressurized fluid passing through the fluid passage.

Preferably, at least one of the pressure regulators contains or is a screw located in the fluid channel.

Preferably, at least two fluid channels are equipped with the same type of pressure influencing device.

The pressure influencing device may also be, for example, a valve located in the fluid passage.

More than two fluid passages of multiple fluid passages, for example three, four fluid passages, or preferably each fluid passage of multiple fluid passages, may comprise a pressure control unit. If several or all of the fluid channels contain a pressure control unit, this allows very precise control of the molding process, in particular the cooling portion of the molding process. In particular, the molding process can be modified or adapted to achieve an optimized result.

The forming plant can in particular be used to form rods from different continuous materials, in particular when using different plasticizers or different hardeners. Precise control allows the molding process to be adjusted for the different curing conditions of the material combinations used in the molding apparatus of the present invention.

Heat can generally be used to liquefy and preferably uniformly distribute the plasticizer within the rod material.

Refrigeration can be primarily used to solidify the previously liquefied plasticizer and to fix the rod into a tubular rod shape. For example, cooling speeds up the hardening of the plasticizer and thus can quickly stabilize a continuous rod. Controlled cooling allows precise control of the curing process. In addition, the method of forming the rods can be adapted to different rod materials and different plasticizers, requiring different pressure or temperature conditions to achieve the best results.

Preferably, cooling is carried out after heating, that is, downstream of the heating process. Heating and cooling can be carried out in the tubular element. Cooling can also be carried out downstream of the tubular element.

Preferably, each pressure control unit operates separately and independently of the other pressure control units. Thus, preferably the pressure can be adjusted individually in at least two fluid channels. Preferably, it is possible to individually control the pressure in each fluid channel equipped with a pressure control unit. Preferably, the pressure control units are mutually coordinated to accurately control the heating process, the cooling process, or both the heating process and the post-cooling process of the rod material or molded rod and subsequently adjust them if necessary.

Preferably, the amount of pressurized fluid supplied from the fluid compressor to the plurality of fluid passages is controlled for each fluid passage. For example, each fluid channel may be equipped with a valve. In such embodiments, the valve may be individually controlled. For example, a distribution system includes a manifold coupled to a fluid compressor at an inlet end of the manifold and coupled to a plurality of fluid passages at a plurality of outlet ends of the manifold. Valves may be located adjacent to each outlet end of the manifold. For example, the provision of valves allows some or more pressurized fluid to be supplied to upstream fluid passages (upstream of the rod material transport path) to enhance the heating or cooling effect, and, for example, a smaller amount to be supplied fluid under pressure to downstream fluid channels, or vice versa.

Preferably, at least some of the plurality of injection points are located along the transport path, preferably along the length of the tubular element. This allows for a consistent heating or cooling process to be applied to the molded rod or to the rod during the molding process.

The tubular element of the molding device may comprise a plurality of tubular element segments. Preferably, each tubular element segment of the plurality of tubular element segments comprises an injection site. Thus, each tubular element segment may be connected to at least one fluid passage for supplying pressurized fluid to the rod material passing through the tubular element segment. One fluid channel may be provided per segment of the tubular element.

Preferably, the injection end of the at least two fluid channels containing the pressure control unit comprises a nozzle. Preferably, the injection ends of the at least two fluid channels are in the form of a nozzle. Through the nozzle, the pressurized fluid can be very effectively introduced into the rod material and distributed thereon or over the core being formed, respectively. In particular, when using a fibrous rod material, the pressurized fluid can very effectively penetrate the rod material and heat or cool the rod material or rod. Preferably, the injection end of each fluid channel of the plurality of fluid channels comprises a nozzle.

The molding unit fluid compressor may be a steam generator configured to generate superheated steam, or may be an air compressor configured to generate pressurized air.

Superheated steam is used to heat the continuous rod material. Preferably, pressurized air is used to cool the continuous rod material or a continuous rod formed from the rod material.

The same distribution system or separate distribution systems can be used to supply either superheated steam or pressurized air to the rod material. Preferably, the pressurized fluid is supplied through several injection points to the rod material, for example along the length of the tubular element. Preferably, superheated steam is supplied to some injection points, and pressurized air is supplied to other injection points.

Steam generators are well-known heating devices used in rod making due to the good heat transfer from the steam to the rod material. However, steam can cause water droplets to form when cooled. Drops of water can negatively affect the rod material and the molding result. The use of superheated steam reduces or prevents the formation of water droplets. Superheated steam is characterized by good heat transfer to the rod material.

At least one fluid channel of the plurality of fluid channels may comprise a temperature control unit comprising a temperature sensor and a temperature influencing device.

Preferably, the temperature control unit may be located in the molding unit between the fluid generator and the rod material in the tubular element. Preferably, the temperature control unit, in particular the temperature sensor, is located adjacent to the position in which the rod material is treated with the pressurized fluid. This makes it possible to very accurately measure the temperature of the pressurized fluid acting on the rod material, which is an advantage. Positioning the temperature influencing device near the injection point of the pressurized fluid allows the temperature difference of the pressurized fluid to be set or adjusted to a desired temperature of the pressurized fluid to heat or cool the rod material by the temperature influencing device. The temperature influencing device can be used, for example, to compensate for the temperature loss of the pressurized fluid delivered from the fluid compressor to the rod material. For example, temperature losses caused by the influence of the environment acting on the molding plant, for example due to the length of the path that the pressurized fluid must travel. The temperature influencing device may also be used to heat or cool the pressurized fluid supplied by the fluid compressor. This allows the fluid compressor to be configured to generate pressurized fluid at a specific temperature and to individually control the fluid temperature in individual fluid passages adjacent to the injection point of the pressurized fluid. This also allows for the possibility of applying more or less intense heating or cooling to the rod material or core being formed.

Preferably, the temperature control unit is located as close as possible to the rod material being processed. In this case, the measured temperatures exactly correspond to the desired temperature of the pressurized fluid acting on the rod material, which is an advantage.

Preferably, the temperature control unit is located in the end section of the fluid channel at the injection point of the pressurized fluid.

Preferably, the temperature sensor is located in the nozzle of the fluid channel.

The temperature influencing device may be a heating element configured to heat the pressurized fluid, a cooling element configured to cool the pressurized fluid, or a heating/cooling element configured to heat or cool the pressurized fluid.

Preferably, the temperature influencing device is a heating/cooling element. In this case, the pressurized fluid may be heated or cooled depending on the temperature of the pressurized fluid supplied by the fluid compressor and depending on the temperature desired at a particular location of the rod material and at a particular state of the molding process.

The heating element or cooling element may be electrical elements such as a resistance heater, an inductor, and, for example, an induction heating fluid path or a Peltier element. Heating or cooling elements may also be based on fluid heating or fluid cooling.

Preferably, the heating element is a resistive heater located around the fluid passage.

Preferably, the combined heating/cooling element is based on fluid heating and fluid cooling. For example, the outer tube may be positioned around the fluid passage. Cooling or heating fluid may be directed through the fluid passage between the outer tube and the outer portion of the fluid passage, thereby cooling or heating the fluid passage and the pressurized fluid flowing within the fluid passage.

The temperature influencing device may be located within the fluid passage, for example, on the inner wall of the fluid passage, in the wall of the fluid passage, or outside the fluid passage, for example, may be located around the fluid passage. If an external temperature influencing device is used, preferably the fluid channel material has high thermal conductivity at least in the region of the external temperature influencing device.

More than one fluid channel of multiple fluid channels, for example, three, four, or even each fluid channel of multiple fluid channels may comprise a temperature control unit. If more than one fluid channel or all fluid channels contain a temperature control unit. This allows very precise control of the molding process, for example changing or adjusting it to achieve an optimized result, which is an advantage.

If the molding plant uses a fluid compressor in the form of a gas compressor and a distribution system and fluid channels of the distribution system are used to direct pressurized air to the rod material, then pressure control units and temperature control units are used to control the pressure and temperature of the pressurized air.

If the molding plant uses a fluid compressor in the form of a steam generator and a distribution system and fluid channels of the distribution system are used to direct superheated steam to the rod material, then pressure control units and temperature control units are used to control the pressure and temperature of the superheated steam.

If a fluid compressor in the form of a steam generator and also a gas compressor are used in a molding plant, both fluid compressors can be connected to the same distribution system. Superheated steam and pressurized air may be directed through the same or different fluid passages in the distribution system. Accordingly, pressure control units and temperature control units can control the pressure and temperature of superheated steam and pressurized air.

Preferably, the superheated steam and pressurized air are directed through different fluid passages in the same distribution system. Preferably, the superheated steam is directed through fluid passages leading to upstream injection points of the tubular element. Preferably, the pressurized gas is directed through fluid passages leading to downstream injection points of the tubular element. Preferably, the superheated steam is supplied to two or three injection points of the tubular element located earliest in the flow direction. Preferably, pressurized air is supplied to at least the furthest downstream injection point of the tubular element.

In accordance with the present invention, the core may be provided in a tubular member or in one or more segments of a tubular member. The core can be used to create an internal shape in a molded rod, for example to create a so-called hollow acetate tube or HAT (hollow acetate tube). In some embodiments, the core has a circular cross-section, however other cross-sections are possible, for example in the shape of a polygon such as a triangle, square, star or others, in the shape of icons or pictograms such as hearts, clubs or diamonds or other round, oval or semicircular shapes. In addition, the cross-section of the core may be continuous. In an alternative embodiment, the cross-section of the core may vary along the length of the core. Preferably, the core extends over a portion of the tubular element that is heated, or through all segments of the tubular element that are heated, that is, to which superheated steam is supplied. This helps mold the rod into the desired shape while it is still hot, which is an advantage. Preferably, the core extends into at least one of the segments of the tubular element, to which pressurized air is supplied for cooling. This makes it possible to secure the rod in the desired shape, which is an advantage. Preferably, the core does not extend into at least one segment of the tubular element to which pressurized air is supplied for cooling. This makes it easier to remove the rod from the core, which is an advantage.

The molding device of the molding plant allows the production of tubular rods, filled or hollow rods. To produce a hollow rod, the tubular member includes an inner core or core to form a continuous hollow tubular rod from the continuous rod material. Preferably, the core is located concentrically within the tubular element or within one, more or all segments of the tubular element.

In other embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the tubular element segments includes a molded inner tube located within the tubular element segment such that a rod extending through the tubular element segment extends along the inner surface of the molded inner tube. Thus, the molded inner tube can be shaped to the outer part of the rod during the molding process. For example, the inner tube has a circular cross-section, but other cross-sections are possible, for example in the shape of a polygon such as a triangle, square, star or others, in the shape of icons or pictograms such as hearts, clubs or diamonds or other round, oval or semicircular shapes. Specifically, the molded inner tube creates a series of grooves around the periphery of the molded rod.

Additionally, the cross-section of the inner surface of the molded inner tube may be continuous. In an alternative embodiment, the cross-section of the molded inner tube may vary along the length of the molded inner tube. Changing the cross-section can, for example, create spiral grooves around the periphery of the molded rod.

Preferably, the molding installation comprises a main control system. The main control system controls the continuous rod forming process. For example, the main control system receives data from pressure control units, if available, also data from temperature control units, if available, data from valves, and preferably also data from the final formed core. The data from the final molded rod may, for example, be the diameter of the rod obtained from a line scan camera. In the main control system, the data can be analyzed and if deviations from the desired result are detected, the molding parameters can be adjusted. The main control unit can accordingly give commands to pressure control units, temperature control units, valves or additional elements of the molding plant, for example, a distribution system or a plasticizer applicator. The main control unit can be used to control additional production line devices during the core forming process, such as a cutting device to cut a continuous core into individual segments. With the help of the main control system, molding parameters such as heating, cooling or pressure applied to the rod material can be monitored, adjusted and recorded.

The present invention also relates to a method for forming a continuous tubular rod from a continuous rod material. The method includes providing a continuous rod material, molding the continuous rod material into a continuous tubular rod in a molding apparatus, and heating or cooling, preferably heating and cooling, the continuous rod material during molding by supplying a pressurized fluid from a fluid compressor through a distribution system to the continuous material. extrusion The method further includes measuring the pressure of a pressurized fluid in at least two fluid passages of the distribution system and providing at least two pressure influencing devices in the distribution system downstream of the fluid compressor. The pressure influencing devices are capable and configured to measure and change the pressure of a pressurized fluid supplied from a fluid compressor to a continuous rod material.

Preferably, the continuous rod material is supplied to a forming device and formed into a continuous tubular rod by passing the continuous rod material through a tubular member of the forming device. The pressurized fluid is then directed into the tubular element.

Preferably, the step of changing the pressure of the pressurized fluid supplied from the fluid compressor to the rod material or to the tubular rod includes increasing or decreasing the pressure, preferably by causing the screw to act on the pressurized fluid. The action of the screw is beneficial because it can be used as a mechanism to increase or decrease pressure.

Preferably, the method includes measuring the temperature of the pressurized fluid at the injection point and providing a temperature influencing device in the distribution system. The temperature influencing device is configured and capable of changing the temperature of a pressurized fluid supplied to a continuous tubular rod or rod material.

Preferably, the temperature influencing device comprises a heating or cooling element, more preferably a heating/cooling element.

Preferably, the rod material contains cellulose acetate.

Preferably, the continuous tubular rod is a continuous hollow acetate tube (HAT).

The method may further include the step of applying a plasticizer to the continuous rod material before forming the continuous tubular rod, in particular before heating. Applying a plasticizer to the rod material before molding the material into a rod affects the material of the rod. For example, plasticizers may improve the molding characteristics of the rod material, may increase the stability of the final rod, or may affect the draw resistance of the molded rod, or combinations of these effects.

The method may further include the step of cutting the continuous tubular rod into individual segments. The individual segments may have a finite length of the aerosol generating product segment. The individual segments may also have a length of several final lengths, and they can be cut to their final length in an additional process step in the method for manufacturing aerosol generating articles.

Although the apparatus and method using pressurized air for cooling have been described, it is understood that pressurized air can also be used for heating, and that other gases suitable for cooling or heating can also be used. In particular, in an alternative or additional embodiment, pressurized gases that are compressed by a gas compressor, for example carbon dioxide or pressurized nitrogen, can be used.

The present invention also relates to a production line for producing a continuous tubular rod. The production line contains a molding plant in accordance with the present invention, described in this document. The production line further comprises a device for applying a plasticizer located upstream of the molding unit. A plasticizer application device is provided for applying plasticizer to a continuous rod material. The production line may further comprise a cutting device located downstream of the forming device for cutting the continuous tubular rod into individual rod segments.

The present invention is further described with respect to embodiments, which are illustrated by the following drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a molding plant;

Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a molding plant with a temperature control unit;

in Fig. 3 schematically shows the production line for continuous rods;

Fig. 4 is a schematic view of a molding plant, for example, used in the production line shown in FIG. 3.

in Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a molding machine containing several tubular element segments;

in Fig. 6 shows a molding machine with a molded inner tube in tubular element segments.

In FIG. 1, a continuous material 1, for example a rod material, impregnated with a plasticizer, for example triacetin, is directed in the transport direction 100. The continuous material is directed through a tubular member (not shown) and is thereby treated with a pressurized fluid. The pressurized fluid may be, for example, superheated steam, pressurized air, or both pressurized air and superheated steam, preferably in an appropriate order to heat and then cool the continuous rod material directed through the tubular member.

The pressurized fluid is generated by the fluid compressor 2 and is directed through the fluid distribution system 6 to the rod material 1. Thus, the fluid under pressure is directed to the tubular element through which the rod material 1 is passed to form the rod. The direction of flow of the pressurized fluid is shown by arrow 200.

The distribution system 6 includes a manifold 60 that distributes pressurized fluid from the fluid compressor 2 into a plurality of individual pipes 20. Each pipe 20 includes a valve 62 that allows individual control of the amount of pressurized fluid directed to the individual pipes 20 from the fluid compressor 2 , preferably via the main control system.

The pipes 20 end in nozzles 21 that direct pressurized fluid through injection points 210 in the tubular element to the rod material 1 . This end part of the distribution system is equipped with a pressure control unit 5. The pressure control unit 5 includes a pressure regulator 52 located in the pipe 20, such as a valve. The pressure control unit 5 also includes a pressure sensor 51 located upstream of the pressure regulator 52. The pressure control unit 5 may also include a data control system and a power system for receiving data from the pressure sensor 51 and the pressure regulator 52 and for supplying power to the pressure regulator 52 when necessary to generate a higher pressure of the pressurized fluid.

Although the distribution system 6 and the pressure regulator are shown in FIG. 1 as one pipe 20 equipped with a pressure control unit 5, the distribution system 6 comprises at least two pipes 20 equipped with a pressure control unit 5. At least two pressure control units 5 may be provided in adjacent pipes 20 or in more distant pipes 20. Preferably, the pressure control unit 5 is located in an upstream distribution system pipe 20 in fluid communication with the upstream one. In total, there are 210 injection points along the flow path.

Preferably some or all of the five pipes shown in FIG. 1, are equipped with their own pressure control unit 5 with individual control.

The data control and power supply system for the pressure control unit 5 is preferably integrated into a main control system configured to control the molding plant, as well as possibly additional devices used in the core manufacturing process.

In FIG. The fluid compressor 1 may be a gas compressor for generating pressurized air or a steam generator for generating superheated steam. In this case, the fluid distribution system 6 is used either as an air distribution system directing pressurized air to the continuous rod material 1 or as a steam distribution system directing superheated steam to the continuous rod material 1.

In a preferred embodiment of the molding plant according to FIG. The fluid compressor 1 comprises a steam generator and a gas compressor. The fluid compressors are connected to the manifold and distribution system such that superheated steam is supplied to at least the first two pipes as viewed in transport direction 100 (the two pipes located earliest downstream), and such that to at least At least the last pipe, as viewed in transport direction 100 (the pipe furthest downstream), is supplied with pressurized air for cooling.

Pressure in other or intermediate pipes may be provided by superheated steam or pressurized gas depending on the desired heating or cooling processes.

Fluid compressors may be coupled to their own manifold and distribution system, but preferably provide superheated steam and pressurized air in the above sequence.

In FIG. 2 shows a simplified example of another example of a molding plant. For the same or similar features, the same or similar reference numbers are used as in FIG. 1.

The molding installation includes a fluid compressor 2 and a distribution system, with only one distribution system pipe 20 shown. The pipe 20 is equipped with a pressure control unit 5 installed in the end section of the distribution system.

The pipe 20 is additionally equipped with a temperature control unit 3.

The continuous material 1 is directed along the conveying direction 100 and through a tubular member (not shown) and is treated therein with a pressurized fluid, such as pressurized air, superheated steam, or both pressurized air and superheated steam.

The pressurized fluid is generated by the fluid compressor 2 and is directed through the distribution system to the rod material 1.

The direction of flow of the pressurized fluid is shown by arrow 200.

The pipe 20 is shown to terminate in a nozzle 21 which directs the pressurized fluid towards the rod material 1, preferably in a circular manner, to act on the entire circumference of the rod material in the tubular element. The end part of the distribution system is equipped with a temperature control unit 3. The temperature control unit 3 includes a heating element 30, such as a resistive heating element, surrounding the pipe 20. The temperature control unit 3 also includes a temperature sensor 31 located in the nozzle 21. The temperature control unit 3 may also include a data management system and a power supply system for receiving data from the temperature sensor 31 and from the heating element 30, and to provide the heating element 30 with heating power when necessary to heat the pressurized fluid to a higher temperature and also to a higher pressure. The pipe 20 is made of a material capable of withstanding the heat generated by the heating element 30.

The data management system and the power supply system for the temperature control unit 3 can also be integrated into a main control system configured to control the molding plant, in particular the pressure control units 5, and possibly additional devices used in the core manufacturing process.

In some embodiments, the heating element 3 0 may be a cooling element or a combined heating and cooling element. This allows the pressurized fluid to be cooled or heated or cooled depending on the temperature of the pressurized fluid supplied from the gas compressor 2 and the temperature of the pressurized fluid required to process the continuous material.

Pressure control unit 5 in Fig. 2 includes a pressure sensor 51 for measuring the pressure of a pressurized fluid. The pressure sensor is located upstream of the heating element 30. The pressure control unit 5 also contains a device 50, 52 that affects the pressure. The pressure influencing device in the illustrated embodiment consists of two screws 50 and a pressure regulator 52, such as a valve.

One of the screws 50 is located in the pipe upstream of the pressure sensor 51. The second screw 50 is located downstream of the heating element 30, but upstream of the pressure regulator 52, when viewed in the direction of flow of the pressurized fluid. Preferably, a speed sensor is located at the position of the second screw to measure the speed of the pressurized fluid. Because the pressure regulator is located immediately upstream of the nozzle 21 where the pressurized fluid is introduced into the tubular member 41, the pressure regulator allows very precise control and adjustment of the pressure of the pressurized fluid applied to the rod material. In particular, any increase in pressure that may occur due to heating of the pressurized fluid may be counterbalanced by the pressure regulator 52.

Various sensors and actuators can measure and act on the pressure, temperature and velocity of a pressurized fluid.

As already mentioned for the molding plant embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the molding plant shown in FIG. 2 may also contain multiple pipes, and some or all of the pipes may be equipped with their own individually controllable pressure control units 5 and their own individually controllable temperature control units 3.

Temperature and pressure control units 3, 5 allow adjustment of the temperature, pressure and speed of the pressurized fluid after the pressurized fluid leaves the compressor 2 and generally at the outlet of one or more pipes 20. Sequential arrangement of injection nozzles and units 3 , 5 temperature and pressure control allows sequential, preferably independent, temperature and pressure profiles to be obtained at different application points during the core forming process.

This also works in cases where one or more upstream pipes are used for heating and one or more downstream pipes are used for cooling, for example by introducing superheated steam into the upstream part of the molding process and supplying pressurized air to the downstream part of the process. Measuring and adjusting the temperature and pressure of the superheated steam supplied to the material allows for controlled liquefaction and distribution of the plasticizer in the two materials. Measuring and adjusting the temperature and pressure of pressurized air supplied to the rod material or to an already formed but not fully stabilized rod allows for controlled cure and shape stabilization of the molded rod. This advantage is achieved by sequential control of temperature and pressure during the heating process as well as during the cooling process.

In FIG. 3 shows a production line for the manufacture of continuous rods or continuous rod components, preferably for aerosol generating products. Preferably, hollow rods are made from cellulose acetate and cut into segments. These segments can be used in "heat without combustion" type aerosol generating devices.

The production line includes a transport device 10 for transporting a continuous material, such as a cellulose acetate rod material, in a transport or supply direction 100 .

There is a preparation block 7 on the production line. The transport device 3 supplies the rod material to the preparation block 7. The preparation unit 7 is configured to form a continuous flow of rod material wetted with a curing fluid or plasticizer, such as, for example, triacetin. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the plasticizer block is part of the preparation block 7. Plasticizer blocks are known from the prior art. The plasticizer block can also be located upstream from the preparation block 7. Further downstream from the preparation block 7, the production line contains a molding unit 4 located in series with the preparation block 7. The forming unit 4 is configured to receive a flow of rod material and allow the material to harden to convert the rod material into a continuous axially rigid rod.

Preferably, the production line further includes a wrapping unit 8 for wrapping the rod in wrapping paper. In addition, the production line may include a cutting unit 9, preferably a rotary cutting head of a known type. The cutting unit 9 is located downstream from the forming unit 4 and the wrapping unit 9 and is configured to cut the rod into rod segments. For example, the desired length of the segments into which the rod is cut is obtained using a suitable measuring device (not shown).

Suitable wrapping unit 8, transport device 10 and cutting unit 9 are known in the art and will not be described in detail hereinafter.

The production line includes a main control system 500 configured to receive and send signals to and from the molding unit 4. The main control system 500 allows control of, for example, pressure regulators, or, if a temperature control unit is present, its heating or non-heating. Preferably, the main control system 500 also controls additional units of the production line, for example, the preparation unit 7 and the transport device 10. In addition, the main control system 500 can control the wrapping unit 8 and the cutting unit 9.

The molding plant 4 is shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 4. The forming unit 4 includes a tubular element 41 configured to receive a rod material saturated with curing material. The direction of transportation of the transport device 10, as well as the direction of supply of the rod material into the tubular element 41 of the forming installation 4 is shown by arrow 100.

The tubular member 41 is configured to shape the rod material into a generally cylindrical rod, such as a filled rod or a hollow rod, and advance the rod in the feed direction 100 to additional components of the production line.

The tubular member 41 defines an opening 45 through which the rod material can pass. Preferably, the opening 45 includes an inner surface 451. Preferably, the inner surface 451 compresses the rod material to form the material into a substantially cylindrical continuous rod in the form of a rod.

The tubular member 41 may include a core located within the tubular member. In this case, continuous material is directed around and along the core and inside the inner surface 451, thereby forming a hollow tube of rod material.

The molding unit 4 further includes a fluid compressor 2 in fluid communication with two circular nozzles 21 for injecting pressurized fluid into the interior of the tubular member 41. The pressurized fluid either distributes or hardens the plasticizer present in the rod material and converts it into an essentially rigid rod.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the tubular element 41 is a single continuous tubular element containing two injection locations for pressurized fluid to act on the continuous material. Preferably, more than two, for example three to five, nozzles 21 are present to inject pressurized fluid at three to five injection locations located along the tubular member 41.

In FIG. 5, the forming apparatus includes a tubular member 41 configured as a plurality of subdivided members, in this case five tubular member segments 410, arranged sequentially along the feed direction of the continuous material (from right to left in FIG. 5).

At least the pipe 20 leading to the first of the divided element segments 410 (the upstream segment) is equipped with a pressure control unit 5 and preferably also a temperature control unit 3 (not shown). Preferably, the pipes leading to the first and second divided element segments 410 are equipped with a pressure control unit 5, and most preferably also a temperature control unit 3. Thus, the at least two upstream pipes 20 are made of a material that is resistant to the heat provided by the heating element 30.

Preferably, the last of the split element segments 410 (the outermost segment) is used to cool the continuous rod, for example, by directing pressurized air into the interior of the element segment 410. The pipe 20 conducting pressurized air to the last element segment 410 does not require the heat resistance of the heating element pipes and, accordingly, can be made of a less heat resistant material than the heating element pipes.

In FIG. 6 shows that the last of the tubular element segments 410, when viewed in the direction of transport of the rod material, contains a molded inner tube 44 located in the tubular element segment 410. The rod extending through the tubular member segment 410 extends along the inner surface of the molded inner tube 44. Thus, the molded inner tube imparts its shape to the outer portion of the rod during the molding process. The inner surface of the molded inner tube 44 may represent the inner surface 451 of a tubular member, as shown in FIG. 4.

Preferably, the molded inner tube has a substantially circular cross-section. In particular, the molded inner tube 44 creates a series of grooves around the periphery of the molded rod, for example, for the passage of air, which is an advantage. Preferably, all tubular element segments 410 in tubular element 41 include an inner tube 44. Most preferably, the upstream element segments 410 to which superheated steam is supplied to heat the rod material are provided with an inner tube 44.

Claims (20)

1. A forming machine for forming a continuous tubular rod, comprising: a conveying path comprising a feeding path for continuously supplying the continuous rod material in a conveying direction of the conveying path; a forming device coupled to a downstream end of the supply path and configured to form a continuous tubular rod from the continuous rod material, the forming device comprising: a tubular member configured to pass the continuous rod material through the tubular member to form a continuous tubular rod; a fluid compressor configured to generate pressurized fluid, the fluid compressor being in fluid communication with the tubular member for supplying pressurized fluid to the continuous rod material for heating or cooling the continuous rod material; wherein the molding device further comprises a plurality of fluid passages for supplying pressurized fluid from the fluid compressor to a plurality of injection points located along the transport path, wherein at least two fluid passages of the plurality of fluid passages comprise a pressure control unit comprising a pressure sensor and a pressure influencing device, wherein pressure control units are located in the end sections of at least two fluid channels at the injection points. 2. Molding installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the devices influencing the pressure are pressure regulators configured to decrease or increase the pressure of the pressurized fluid in at least two fluid channels. 3. Molding installation according to any of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that each fluid channel of the plurality of fluid channels contains a pressure control unit. 4. A molding plant as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the plurality of injection points are located along the length of the tubular element. 5. Molding installation according to any of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that the injection end of at least two fluid channels contains a nozzle. 6. A molding plant as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular element comprises a plurality of tubular element segments, each tubular element segment comprising an injection site. 7. The molding apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid compressor is a steam generator configured to generate superheated steam for supplying superheated steam to the continuous rod material in the tubular member, or the fluid compressor is an air compressor configured to the ability to generate pressurized air for supplying pressurized air to the continuous rod material in the tubular member. 8. The molding plant according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that at least one of the fluid channels of the plurality of fluid channels comprises a temperature control unit containing a temperature sensor and a temperature influencing device. 9. A production line for manufacturing a continuous tubular rod, comprising a molding unit as defined in any one of the preceding claims and comprising a plasticizer applicator located upstream of the molding unit for applying plasticizer to the continuous rod material. 10. A method for forming a continuous tubular rod from a continuous rod material, comprising: ensuring continuous rod material; molding the continuous rod material into a continuous tubular rod in a molding apparatus; heating or cooling the continuous rod material during the molding process by supplying pressurized fluid from a fluid compressor through a fluid distribution system to the continuous rod material, measuring the pressure of the pressurized fluid in at least two fluid passages of the distribution system and providing at least two pressure influencing devices in a distribution system downstream of the fluid compressor, wherein the pressure influencing devices are configured to change the pressure of the pressurized fluid supplied from the fluid compressor to the continuous rod material, such thereby measuring and varying the pressure of the pressurized fluid adjacent to injection sites of the pressurized fluid. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein changing the pressure of the pressurized fluid supplied from the fluid compressor to the continuous rod material includes increasing or decreasing the pressure due to the action of the screw on the pressurized fluid. 12. Method according to any one of paragraphs. 10 or 11, including measuring the temperature of the pressurized fluid at the injection point and providing a temperature influencing device in the distribution system, wherein the temperature influencing device is configured to change the temperature of the pressurized fluid supplied to the continuous rod material. 13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the device influencing the temperature contains a heating and cooling element. 14. Method according to any one of paragraphs. 10-13, characterized in that the continuous rod material is cellulose acetate and the continuous tubular rod is a continuous hollow acetate tube (HAT).

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