TW202015969A - Manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus for cartridge including flavor source for non-combustion flavor inhaler - Google Patents

Abstract

A manufacturing method for a cartridge including a flavor source for a non-combustion flavor inhaler includes a container supplying step of supplying a container 12 forming the cartridge 1, a packing step of packing the container 12 with the flavor source from a hopper 100 with the flavor source stored therein, and a compressing step of compressing the flavor source packed in the container 12.

Description

Method and device for manufacturing cartridge containing scent source for non-burning scent taster

The invention relates to a method and a device for manufacturing a cartridge (also called a smoke cartridge) containing a flavor source for a non-combustion flavor inhaler.

In the manufacturing method of a cartridge containing a flavor source for a non-burning flavor taster, a container for forming a cartridge is supplied and the flavor source is filled into the container from a hopper storing the flavor source.

Patent Document 1 discloses a powder and granular material filling device including a pressing member provided at the lower end opening of a supply cylinder (in which a spiral drill is installed), and configured to move up and down after the powder and granular material is loaded into a packaging bag Move so that the pressing member can compress the holding member of the powder material in the packaging bag. Patent Document 1 also discloses that a gap is formed between the pressing member and the inner surface of the holding member so that the air in the powder material can be efficiently discharged.

[Prior Technical Literature] [Patent Literature]

(Patent Document 1) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-44727

When a user uses a non-burning flavor inhaler, it will allow air to pass through the flavor source in the container. The scent source for non-burning scent inhalers will show different cohesiveness and adhesion depending on the added scent components. Therefore, when the auger packing method is used to supply the fragrance source into the container, the fragrance source may stick to the inner wall of the auger or the supply cylinder, so that the amount of the fragrance source supplied into the container may be generated change.

Simply supplying the fragrance source into the container may cause uneven distribution of the fragrance source in the container or form a gap between the inner wall of the container and the fragrance source. In this case, when the air sucked from the flavor inhaler passes through the cartridge, the air will go to the area of the container where the ventilation resistance is small or there is a gap. Therefore, when the user sucks the flavor inhaler, the taste may be unstable or too light.

The present invention has been accomplished in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a uniform distribution of the flavor source in the container so that the ventilation resistance of the air when passing through the flavor source is equalized to achieve the stability and improvement of the inhaled flavor Method for manufacturing cartridge containing scent source for non-burning scent inhaler.

In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a cartridge including a flavor source for a non-burning flavor inhaler, the manufacturing method includes: supplying a container for forming a container The supplying step; the filling step of filling the flavor source into the container from the hopper storing the flavor source; and the compression step of compressing the flavor source filled in the container.

Another aspect of the present invention is also a method for manufacturing a cartridge containing a flavor source for a non-burning flavor inhaler, the manufacturing method including: a container supplying step for supplying a container for forming a cartridge; The filling step of the source hopper filling the fragrance source into the container; and the layer forming step of forming a formation layer of the fragrance source in the hopper, wherein the layer forming step includes a stirring procedure of stirring the forming layer.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a manufacturing apparatus for a cartridge containing a flavor source for a non-burning flavor inhaler, the manufacturing apparatus comprising: a container supply unit configured to supply a container for forming a cartridge; and It is composed of a filling unit for loading a fragrance source into a container from a hopper storing a fragrance source, wherein the hopper is a tubular side wall, a ring-shaped tray disposed inside the side wall, and a tray disposed inside to drive the tray to rotate A chamber enclosed by the rotary drive unit, and the chamber includes a stirring rod disposed therein and extending radially toward the chamber.

According to the manufacturing method of a cartridge containing a flavor source for a non-burning flavor inhaler of the present invention, the distribution state of the flavor source in the container can be made uniform so that the ventilation resistance when air passes through the flavor source can be equalized Stable and improved taste.

1‧‧‧ Cartridge

2‧‧‧Pipe members

2a‧‧‧taper

4‧‧‧Net component

6‧‧‧Filter material

8‧‧‧ lid

10‧‧‧Export

12‧‧‧Container

20‧‧‧ Cartridge manufacturing device

22‧‧‧Drum

26‧‧‧pedestal

28‧‧‧ Pocket

30‧‧‧Container supply station

30A‧‧‧Container supply unit

32‧‧‧Container hopper

34‧‧‧Vibrating conveyor

34a‧‧‧Conveying path

36‧‧‧The path driven by wind

36a‧‧‧tube

40‧‧‧ Loading station

40A‧‧‧Loading unit

42‧‧‧Rotating and lifting mechanism

44‧‧‧Disc

46‧‧‧Cylinder

48‧‧‧piston

49‧‧‧Air scraper

50‧‧‧Compression station

50A‧‧‧Compression unit

52‧‧‧Support component

54‧‧‧arm

56‧‧‧Putter

58‧‧‧Guide

58a‧‧‧Guide hole

60‧‧‧Filter material supply station

60A‧‧‧Filter material supply unit

62‧‧‧Wind-driven path

62a‧‧‧tube

64‧‧‧Cutter

66‧‧‧Rotation holding mechanism

66a‧‧‧ Holding unit

66b‧‧‧Push arm

70‧‧‧ Checkpoint

70A‧‧‧ Inspection unit

80‧‧‧ lid welding station

80A‧‧‧Cap welding unit

82‧‧‧ lid hopper

84‧‧‧Vibrating conveyor

84a‧‧‧Conveying path

86‧‧‧welding unit

90‧‧‧Transfer station

90A‧‧‧Transfer unit

92‧‧‧Rotary holding mechanism

92a‧‧‧hold unit

94‧‧‧Transport Chute

94a‧‧‧Conveying path

96‧‧‧ Pocket conveyor

96a‧‧‧pocket

100‧‧‧Scent source hopper (hopper)

102‧‧‧Sidewall

104‧‧‧Tray

106‧‧‧rotation drive unit

106a‧‧‧Bevel

108‧‧‧Screed

110‧‧‧Convex column

112‧‧‧ Height sensor

114‧‧‧ for entrance

116‧‧‧Inlet

117‧‧‧ chamber

118‧‧‧Stirring rod

120‧‧‧Formation

122‧‧‧block

200‧‧‧Packing station

S1-S8‧‧‧Step

Fig. 1 is a side view of a cartridge of a non-burning flavor inhaler according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge shown in Figure 1.

Fig. 3 is a manufacturing apparatus of the cartridge shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the container supply unit shown in Fig. 3.

Figure 5 is a side view showing a part of the loading unit shown in Figure 3.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged view showing the state in which the fragrance source (block) is filled in Fig. 5;

FIG. 7 is a plan perspective view of the flavor source hopper shown in FIG. 3 with the top cover removed.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the stirring rod at the bottom as seen from the direction A-A in Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a front view of the compression unit shown in Figure 3.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a state before the fragrance source (block) in the container is compressed by using the compression unit shown in Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which the fragrance source (block material) in the container is compressed using the compression unit shown in Fig. 9.

Fig. 12 is a front view of the filter material supply unit shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 13 is a plan view of the cover supply and welding unit shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 14 is a plan view of the transfer unit shown in Fig. 3.

Figure 15 is a flow chart showing the steps performed at the packaging station shown in Figure 3.

Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing a cartridge including a flavor source for a non-burning flavor inhaler according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. The flavor source in this embodiment includes a tobacco material, and the tobacco material is in the form of powder and particles having cohesiveness and adhesion.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a cartridge 1 for a non-burning flavor taster (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a flavor taster) includes a pipe member 2, a mesh member 4, a filter 6, and a lid 8. The flavor inhaler has an inlet (not shown) and an outlet 10 formed in the cover 8, and a ventilation passage is formed for the inlet and outlet 10 to communicate with each other. To simplify the illustration, the cartridge 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 does not show the source of the fragrance.

The mesh member 4 is welded (preferably by ultrasonic welding) to the open end of the inlet side of the tube 2 (as indicated by the arrow), or integrally formed with the tube 2 by molding, and is provided with a number of sufficient to prevent the passage of fragrance sources Grid. The filter material 6 is arranged near the tapered portion 2a formed on the outlet 10 side of the tube 2, and is formed of a predetermined fiber that does not allow the flavor source to pass through. The cover 8 is formed into a ring-like shape and is welded (preferably by ultrasonic welding) to the other open end of the tube 2. The lid 8 locks the filter material 6 in the tube member 2 and the outlet 10 of the lid 8 forms the mouth end of the flavor inhaler. The cartridge 1 is assembled to form a bottomed tubular container 12 including the tube member 2 and the mesh member 4, wherein the mesh member 4 serves as the bottom of the container 12. The container 12 is filled with a flavor source at a filling station described later.

As shown in FIG. 3, the cartridge manufacturing device 20 includes a drum 22 and a flavor source hopper (hopper) 100. The flavor source hopper 100 is disposed away from the outer periphery of the rotating drum 22, and a charging unit 40A is disposed between the flavor source hopper 100 and the rotating drum 22. Seven pedestals 26 are attached to the outer peripheral portion of the rotating drum 22. Each stand 26 has six pockets 28 arranged linearly in a direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the drum 22. Drum 22 in Figure 3 The direction indicated by the arrow intermittently rotates about its axis at a predetermined pitch, and each pedestal 26 also moves intermittently in accordance with the direction of rotation of the drum 22.

The drum 22 includes a container supply station 30, a filling station 40, a compression station 50, a filter material supply station 60, an inspection station 70, and a lid welding station 80 which are provided along the outer periphery of the drum 22 in the rotation direction of the drum 22和及转站90。 And transfer station 90. Due to the intermittent rotation of the drum 22, each pedestal 26 arrives at each station in sequence, and each time the pedestal 26 arrives at the station, the station 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, or 90 is used to manufacture the cartridge 1 A step of. First, the container 12 is supplied to the container supply unit 30A provided in the container supply station 30 (container supply step).

As shown in FIG. 4, the container supply unit 30A includes a container hopper 32, a vibrating conveyor 34, and a wind-driven path 36. A lot of containers 12 are stored in the container hopper 32, and the vibrating conveyor 34 is provided with six groove-shaped conveying paths 34a formed along the conveying direction of the containers 12. The tubes 36a forming the wind-driven path 36 are respectively connected to the conveying path 34a.

The containers 12 supplied from the container hopper 32 to each conveying path 34a are conveyed along the vibrating conveyor 34 while being aligned with each other. Then, driven by the wind, each container 12 passes through each tube 36a and simultaneously falls into each pocket 28 of the pedestal 26. The pedestal 26 in which the container 12 is loaded in each pocket 28 then moves to the filling station 40 in accordance with the rotation of the rotary drum 22. The charging station 40 is provided with a charging unit 40A located between the drum 22 and the flavor source hopper 100. The filling unit 40A loads the flavor source from the flavor source hopper 100 storing the flavor source into each container 12 (filling step).

As shown in FIG. 5, the loading unit 40A has a disc 44 that is rotated and moved up and down by the rotation and lifting mechanism 42. The disc 44 includes a pair of cylinder rows installed at two diagonal corners of the disc 44 respectively, and each cylinder row includes six cylinders protruding downward and arranged in a row 筒46. Each cylinder 46 is provided with a piston 48 that can reciprocate up and down. Each piston 48 moves up and down in synchronization with the movement of the disk 44.

The disc 44 is intermittently rotated in synchronization with the intermittent rotation of the rotating drum 22 by the rotation and lifting mechanism 42 to position each cylinder row intermittently above the pedestal 26 and the flavor source hopper 100. In synchronization with this positioning, the rotating and lifting mechanism 42 lowers the disc 44 and inserts the lower end of each cylinder 46 of one of the cylinder rows (the cylinder row on the right as shown in FIG. 5) into the fragrance source hopper 100 The flavor source layer 120 of the formed flavor source.

At this time, the fragrance source in the fragrance source hopper 100 will be trapped in the space below the piston 48 in each cylinder 46 (collection procedure). After collection, each cylinder 46 rises as the disk 44 rises, and the air blown by the air scraper 49 blows off the fragrance source sticking to the lower end of the cylinder 46 (removal procedure). As a result, the fragrance source collected in the cylinder 46 is formed into a columnar mass material 122, which contains a large amount of powder particles that are stuck together due to the cohesiveness and adhesion of the material itself . The block material 122 is stuck to the inner surface of the cylinder 46 by its own adhesive force (friction force) and thus does not fall out of the cylinder 46.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the disc 44 is lowered, the lower end of each cylinder 46 in the other cylinder row (as shown in the left cylinder row in FIG. 5) is positioned very close to the pedestal 26 The opening of the container 12 in each corresponding pocket 28 is located within the container 12. The positioning of this other row of cylinders causes the pistons 48 in each cylinder 46 to descend simultaneously. Before the disc 44 performs the intermittent action, the blocks 122 collected in each cylinder 46 have been pushed out by the corresponding piston 48 and dropped into the corresponding container 12 below. The container 12 has thus completed the block Loading (ejection procedure).

The force exerted by the piston 48 to push the block 122 in the cylinder 46 is defined as the first thrust. The first thrust is set equal to a load under which the block 122 pushed out by the piston 48 can be dropped into the bottom surface of the container 12 at a falling speed within a predetermined range to be filled in the container 12 The distribution state of the fragrance source in the container 12 is made equal. Consideration may be given to the cohesion and adhesion of the fragrance source, the viscosity (friction force) of the block 122 stuck to the inner surface of the cylinder 46, the end surface area (pushing area) of each piston 48, the descending speed and stroke of the piston 48, etc. And this load of the first thrust is set. Then, the disk 44 and the piston 48 rise after the series of operations described above is completed. Therefore, one cylinder row is pulled out of the formation layer, and the other cylinder row is separated from each container 12. The disc 44 then turns 180° and waits for the next loading procedure.

As shown in FIG. 7, the flavor source hopper 100 is provided with a tubular side wall 102, an annular tray 104 disposed inside the side wall 102, a rotation driving unit 106 disposed inside the tray 104 to drive the tray 104 to rotate, and a plurality of整板(leveling plate)108. The fragrance source hopper 100 is provided with an annular chamber 117 surrounded by the side wall 102, the tray 104, and the rotation driving unit 106. For ease of display, FIG. 7 shows the state where the formation layer 120 is not drawn.

Each screed 108 is arranged at a position not in contact with the tray 104 and extends at a predetermined angle along the rotation direction of the tray 104 (that is, the flow direction of the flavor source) or the flow direction of the flavor source. The screed 108 is fixed to one or two convex posts 110. Each protrusion 110 is supported by a top cover (not shown) of the flavor source hopper 100, and protrudes from the top cover toward the tray 104 to the extent that it does not contact the forming layer 120. The top cover is provided with a level sensor 112 configured to detect the thickness of the formation layer 120, an inlet 114 for the fragrance source, and an insertion port 116 for each cylinder 46, the height sensor 112, and the inlet 114 And, the insertion port 116 is arranged at each position indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 7.

The fragrance source hopper 100 uses the rotation drive unit 106 to rotate the tray 104 in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3 so that the fragrance source flows in the direction in the chamber 117 to form the fluid forming layer 120 (layer forming step). At this time, the screed 108 makes the thickness of the forming layer 120 equal, and at the same time flattens the surface of the forming layer 120. In detail, the layer thickness of the forming layer 120 without the insertion of the cylinder 46 is equalized by the screed 108 closest to the insertion hole 116 on the upstream side when viewed from the flow direction of the fragrance source in the chamber 117 (The first leveling procedure).

On the other hand, the screed 108 located on the downstream side of the insertion hole 116 as viewed from the flow direction of the fragrance source in the chamber 117 will cause depressions formed in the formation layer 120 due to the cylinder 46 being pulled out of the formation layer 120 The collapse and removal of this depression make the thickness of the layer forming the layer 120 equal (second leveling procedure). Therefore, the formation layer 120 having a uniform layer thickness, a flat surface, and a uniform distribution state of the fragrance source is formed in the chamber 117, and thus the fragrance source collected in the block material 122 in each cylinder 46 The distribution status is equal.

As also shown in FIG. 8, the flavor source hopper 100 is provided with a stirring rod 118. The stirring rod 118 is provided at a position at an angle of approximately 90° with respect to the insertion port 116 around the rotation drive unit 106 in the flow direction of the fragrance source. The stirring rod 118 has a curved shape and is supported by two convex posts 110 provided nearby. In detail, the stirring rod 118 is connected to one of the protrusions 110 on the upper side of the formation layer 120 and from the protrusions 110 toward the radially inner side of the chamber 117 and then along the inclined surface formed on the outer periphery of the rotary drive unit 106 106a.

Then, the stirring rod 118 maintains a posture close to but not in contact with the tray 104 and extends radially outward of the chamber 117, and then extends upright along the side wall 102 in this manner. The stirring rod 118 then extends on the upper side of the formation layer 120 toward the radial inner side of the chamber 117 It is connected to another stud 110 on the upper side of the formation layer 120. In other words, the stirring rod 118 extends radially across the entire width of the chamber 117.

When a depression is formed by pulling each cylinder 46 out of the forming layer 120, the lower layer of the fragrance source under the depression may be compressed by the insertion of the cylinder 46, and due to the cohesion and adhesion of the fragrance source The scent source block formed by sex may adhere to the tray 104 or the side wall 102. Without the stirring rod 118, the fragrance source block attached to the tray 104 or the side wall 102 will be repeatedly compressed and hardened by the cylinder 46 inserted from above, and a part of the hard block may move from the tray 104 or the The side wall 102 peels off. When the hard block is filled into the container 12, the distribution state of the flavor source in the container may be uneven and affect the taste.

In order to avoid the formation of the scent source block, the stirring rod 118 stirs the scent source near the lower layer or side wall 102 of the forming layer 120 in a manner to stir up the scent source near the lower layer or side wall 102 to remove the adhering to the tray 104 or the side wall 102 Scent source block (stirring program). Therefore, the formation layer 120 having a uniform flavor source distribution state can be formed more reliably, and the distribution state of the flavor source collected in the block 122 by the insertion of the cylinder 46 can be made equal.

The arrangement position and the extension path of the stirring rod 118 are not limited to the above-mentioned aspects, and may be changed according to the length of the cylinder 46 inserted into the formation layer 120 and the position where the cylinder 46 is inserted into the formation layer 120 as necessary. For example, the stirring rod 118 may extend radially at least a part of the chamber 117, or may extend in any manner as long as the stirring rod 118 is disposed in the chamber 117 at a position lower than the surface of the layer 120.

The stirring rod 118 may be disposed at a height equal to or less than half of the layer thickness T from the bottom of the chamber 117 (that is, the tray 104). These configurations can avoid the formation of flavor source blocks caused by the insertion of each cylinder 46. The thickness of the stirring rod 118 itself in the height direction is equal to Or less than half of the layer thickness T, and preferably equal to or less than a quarter of the layer thickness T, and more preferably equal to or less than one-eighth of the layer thickness T.

In this way, the fragrance source near the lower layer of the forming layer 120 or the side wall 102 can be scooped up and stirred without hindering the flow of the fragrance source. In addition, in order to make the layer thickness T of the formation layer 120 at the insertion port 116 more uniform, the amount of the fragrance source supplied from the inlet 114 may be controlled based on the layer thickness T detected by the height sensor 112. Since the height sensor 112 and the supply inlet 114 are located upstream of the screed 108 closest to the insertion port 116 on the upstream side as viewed from the flow direction of the fragrance source, the layer thickness can be easily achieved according to the amount of the supplied fragrance source T is equal.

In detail, by controlling the amount of the fragrance source supplied through the fragrance source inlet 114 according to the layer thickness T detected by the height sensor 112, the fragrance source on the upstream side closest to the insertion port 116 can be avoided The amount is insufficient, and the formation layer 120 having a predetermined layer thickness T can be formed. Moreover, using the screed 108 closest to the insertion port 116 on the upstream side, the formation layer 120 having a uniform distribution state of the fragrance source can be formed.

Then, the filling unit 40A is used to fill each container 12 with a block 122 (obtained from the formation layer 120 having a uniformly distributed state) of a flavor source having a uniform distribution inside. The pedestal 26 with the filled container 12 is moved to the compression station 50 by the rotation of the rotating drum 22. The compression station 50 is provided with a compression unit 50A, which is used to compress the block material 122 packed in the container 12 (compression step).

As shown in FIG. 9, the compression unit 50A includes a support arm 52 supported by the support member 52 to be freely liftable, six linear push rods 56 protruding downward from the support arm 54, and the support arm The guide 58 between the 54 and the pedestal 26 is fixed to the support member 52. Each push rod 56 is formed into a rod-like shape having a predetermined outer diameter that is smaller than the container The inner diameter of 12 is equal to or greater than the inner diameter of each cylinder 46. The guide 58 is provided with six guide holes 58a, and the guide holes 58a are used for inserting the push rods 56 respectively. The arm 54 is intermittently lowered in synchronization with the intermittent rotation of the rotary drum 22. The push rods 56 are inserted through the guide holes 58 a on the opposite sides and inserted into the corresponding containers 12 arranged on the base 26.

As shown in FIG. 10, the block 122 that has been loaded into the container 12 but has not been compressed by the compression unit 50A is formed into a column-like shape having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the container 12. Therefore, a gap G is formed between the inner surface of the container 12 and the block 122.

On the other hand, when each of the push rods 56 is inserted into each container 12 using the compression unit 50A, and the block 122 packed in the container 12 is pressed, the block 122 is compressed in the height direction of the cylinder to be inside the container 12 Expand its diameter radially towards the cylinder.

The expansion of the diameter of the block 122 is preferably performed until the outer surface of the block 122 contacts the inner surface of the container 12. In this way, the gap G shown in FIG. 10 can be reduced and preferably eliminated. Then, each push rod 56 is pulled out of each container 12 as the arm 54 rises. When the next pedestal 26 moves to the compression station 50 with the rotation of the rotating drum 22, the push rods 56 are also inserted through the guide holes 58a and inserted into the pedestal 26 to press the block 122 in the corresponding container 12. When each push rod 56 is inserted through the corresponding guide hole 58a, the scent source attached to the push rod 56 in the previous compression procedure will be removed at the opening edge of the guide hole 58a. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fragrance source attached to the push rod 56 from attaching to the outer surface of the container 12 and the like.

The force by which the push rod 56 compresses the block 122 is defined as the second push force. The second thrust is set to a load that is at least greater than the first thrust and enables the block 122 to properly expand its diameter within the container 12 to reduce or eliminate the gap G. The second thrust is also set so that the distribution state of the fragrance source is equalized without being so large that the block 122 disintegrates in the container 12.

Since the flavor source hopper 100 is used to form the formation layer 120 having a uniform flavor source distribution state, the distribution state of the flavor sources collected in the block 122 is also equalized. Therefore, compressing the block 122 in such a way as not to disintegrate will more appropriately maintain the uniform distribution of the flavor source. The second thrust force can be set in consideration of the cohesiveness and adhesion of the flavor source, the end surface area (pressing area) of the push rod 56, the descending speed and stroke of the push rod 56, and the like.

After the block 122 is pressed by the push rod 56, the base 26 with each container 12 containing the compressed block 122 moves to the filter material supply station 60 as the drum 22 rotates. The filter material supply station 60 is provided with a filter material supply unit 60A for supplying the filter material 6 to each container 12 (filter material supply step).

As described above, in the present embodiment, the loading station 40 and the compression station 50 are provided to sequentially perform the loading step and the compression step at different stop timings when the rotating drum 22 that intermittently rotates stops. Therefore, as compared with the case where the filling step and the compression step are performed at the same stopping time point, this embodiment can reduce the stopping time of the rotating drum 22 and can improve the manufacturing efficiency of the cartridge 1.

Alternatively, the compression station 50 may be omitted, and the compression step may be performed at the loading station 40. In this case, the filling step and the compression step can be performed at the same stopping time point of the rotating drum 22 intermittently rotating, and the number of times the rotating drum 22 stops can be reduced, so that the cartridge 1 can be manufactured with simpler control.

As shown in FIG. 12, the filter material supply unit 60A includes a wind-driven path 62, a cutter 64, and a rotation holding mechanism 66. The wind driven path 62 includes six tubes 62a, and the cutter 64 is located at the open end of the tube 62a. The cutter 64 includes a built-in blade (not shown). Each filter rod has a predetermined length and is stored in a filter material supply source (not shown), each filter rod Driven by the wind, it passes through each tube 62a and reaches the upper part of the rotation holding mechanism 66, and then is cut by the cutter 64 to cut out each filter material 6 having a predetermined length.

The rotation holding mechanism 66 includes six holding units 66a and one push arm 66b. Each filter material 6 dropped by the cutter 64 is temporarily held by each holding unit 66a. When the holding unit 66a side of the main body of the rotation holding mechanism 66 holding the filter material 6 rotates 180° and is directly above the pedestal 26, the push arm 66b is lowered in synchronization with the rotation of the rotating drum 22 and inserted into each holding unit 66a to insert the filter material 6 It is pushed out from each holding unit 66a. In this way, the filter material 6 falls on the block material 122 arranged in each container in the pedestal 26. The pedestal 26 with each container 12 in which the filter material 6 is installed is then moved to the inspection station 70 as the rotary drum 22 rotates.

The inspection unit 70A provided in the inspection station 70 includes a camera and a load cell (both not shown) to perform various inspections on the container 12 filled with the block material 122 and the filter material 6. Use a push rod or the like (not shown) to remove the unqualified container 12 that is not loaded with the filter material 6 or has an abnormal appearance. The base 26 with the inspected container 12 then moves to the lid welding station 80 as the drum 22 rotates. The lid welding unit 80A provided in the lid welding station 80 supplies the lid 8 toward the opening edge of the container 12 and connects the lid 8 and the opening edge of the container 12 (lid joining step).

As shown in FIG. 13, the lid welding unit 80A includes a lid hopper 82, a vibration conveyor 84, and a welding unit 86. The lid hopper 82 includes many lids 8 stored therein, and the vibrating conveyor 84 includes six groove-shaped conveying paths 84a formed along the conveying direction of the lids 8. The conveying path 84a extends to the welding unit 86, and the welding unit 86 is provided directly above the pedestal 26.

The caps 8 supplied from the cap hopper 82 to the conveying path 84a are conveyed along the vibration of the vibrating conveyor 84 in alignment with each other. Then, in synchronization with the rotation of the rotating drum 22, the lid 8 is placed on each container 12 of the pedestal 26 in synchronization. The welding unit 86 welds (preferably ultrasonic welding) each cover 8 to the opening edge of each container 12. At this point, the manufacturing of the cartridge 1 is completed. Next, the pedestal 26 with the cartridge 1 moves to the transfer station 90 as the drum 22 rotates.

As shown in FIG. 14, the transfer unit 90A provided in the transfer station 90 includes a rotation holding mechanism 92, a transfer chute 94, and a pocket conveyor 96. The main system of the rotation holding mechanism 92 is formed into a rectangular shape as viewed from the top surface, and each outer periphery corresponding to its four sides includes six holding units 92a arranged in a line to remove the cartridge 1 from the base Each pocket 28 of 26 is sucked up and temporarily held. The rotation holding mechanism 92 rotates 90° in synchronization with the rotation of the rotating drum 22. After the rotation, the rotation holding mechanism 92 sucks and holds the cartridge 1 from the moved base 26 again.

At a position after the rotation holding mechanism 92 rotates 180° from the pedestal 26 side, the rotation holding mechanism 92 stops attracting the cartridge 1 to release the cartridge 1, and the released cartridge 1 is conveyed along the conveying chute 94. The conveying chute 94 includes six groove-like conveying paths 94a formed along the conveying direction of the cartridge 1. The cartridges 1 supplied to the transport path 94a are transported on the transport chute 94 in alignment with each other. Then, the cartridge 1 is loaded into each pocket 96a arranged in a line in the pocket conveyor 96.

When each cartridge 1 is sucked up, the ventilation resistance and weight of the cartridge 1 can be measured and checked, or the appearance of the cartridge 1 can be checked. If it is not suitable for sucking and venting the cartridge 1, a cartridge (1) can be used to push the cartridge 1 up from the bottom of each pocket 28 of the pedestal 26 to move it to the rotation holding mechanism 92.

The cartridge 1 moved into the pedestal 26 of the transfer station 90 as the rotary drum 22 rotates is picked up and placed on a tray (not shown) while being transported along the pocket conveyor 96. The cartridge 1 is then sent to the packaging station 200. The unqualified container 12 can be removed during the picking process. The packaging station 200 performs packaging by the following actions: sorting, for example, a blister pack in a packaging box, such as a box, the blister pack contains six of the devices provided when the flavor inhaler is an electronic cigarette Completed cartridge 1 and an atomizer unit (not shown).

The atomizer unit includes an aerosol source and a heat source. One end of the atomizer unit is connected to the battery unit (not shown) to cause the atomized unit to generate heated mist, and the other end of the atomizer unit is connected to the cartridge 1 so that the cartridge 1 can be filled with a fragrance source. The outlet 10 inhales the mist containing fragrance.

Next, the manufacturing process of the blister pack and the manufacturing process of the packaging box will be described with reference to FIG. 15. First, in step S1, a roll of transparent resin film is supplied and a pocket to be used for accommodating each cartridge 1 is formed in the film by thermoforming. In step S2, the cartridge 1 is placed in the pocket of the film, and then in step S3, the aluminum sheet is given from the aluminum sheet roll.

In step S4, the film and the aluminum sheet are hot-pressed to be welded together, and then in step S5, the aluminum sheet is printed to complete a blister pack containing six cartridges 1 therein. A pre-printed aluminum sheet roll can be used and the above-mentioned step of printing on the aluminum sheet can be omitted.

In step S6, a packaging box such as a box is supplied and the blister is packed in the packaging box. In step S7, the atomizer unit made by another manufacturing device is supplied and placed in a packaging box. In step S8, the cigarette product is completed by wrapping the packaging box in a film as necessary, for example. Finally, pack the cigarette products as needed. Alternatively, the blister pack and the atomizer unit can be placed side by side On the conveying path, a packaging machine can be used to assemble the packaging box, and the blister pack and the atomizer unit can be discharged in the packaging box side by side.

As described above, the manufacturing method of the cartridge 1 according to the present embodiment includes the step of compressing the push rod 56 into each container 12 in the compression unit 50A to press the block 122 loaded in the container 12. Therefore, the block 122 will be compressed in the height direction of the column to expand its diameter in the radial direction of the column in the container 12, thereby reducing or eliminating the gap G. Therefore, the distribution state of the flavor sources in the container 12 can be made uniform, and the ventilation resistance of the flavor sources contained in the cartridge 1 can be equalized, so that the inhaled flavor can be stabilized and improved.

A stirring rod 118 extending in the radial direction of the chamber 117 is arranged in the chamber 117, and the stirring rod 118 is used to perform a stirring procedure for stirring the forming layer 120 so as to stir up the forming layer 120. Therefore, when the cylinder 46 is pulled out of the formation layer 120 to form a depression, the lower-layer fragrance source compressed by the cylinder 46 below the depression of the formation layer 120 is appropriately stirred.

Therefore, the fragrance source block attached to the tray 104 can be scraped from the tray 104, and the formation layer 120 having a uniform distribution state of the fragrance source can be formed more stably. As a result, the distribution state of the fragrance sources in the block 122 collected by the insertion of the cylinder 46 can be made equal, the ventilation resistance of the fragrance sources contained in the cartridge 1 can be reliably equalized, and the suction can be effectively achieved Stability and improvement of the taste.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, according to the above-described embodiment, in the container supply unit 30A, the container 12 is accommodated in the pocket 28 of the pedestal 26 through the tube 36a forming the wind-driven path 36 by the wind in. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a mechanical conveying means such as a rotating drum may be used instead of the wind-driven path 36 to guide the container 12 to the pocket 28 of the pedestal 26.

In addition, according to the above-mentioned embodiment, in the above-mentioned collection process of the fragrance source by the loading unit 40A, the block 122 is stuck to the inner surface of the cylinder 46 by its own viscosity (or friction). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a holding means for generating suction pressure in the cylinder 46 may be provided according to the cohesion and adhesion of the fragrance source, and the block 122 is held at the suction pressure of the holding means Inside the cylinder 46.

According to the above-described embodiment, the filling unit 40A performs the process of pushing out the flavor source, and the corresponding piston 48 pushes out the blocks 122 collected in the cylinders 46 to be filled into the corresponding container 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the pushing out means for generating the air pressure in the cylinder 46 may be provided according to the cohesiveness and adhesion of the fragrance source, and the air pressure of the pushing out means replaces the piston 48 to remove the block 122 The cylinder 46 is pushed out.

According to the above-described embodiment, in the compression unit 50A, the push rods 56 that are simultaneously lowered by the arm 54 sequentially compress the blocks 122 in the containers 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a pushing control means such as a spring or any other elastic body or cylinder may be provided between the arm 54 and each push rod 56. The pushing control means is provided so that the load setting of the second pushing force can be controlled for each push rod 56.

According to the above embodiment, the inspection station 70 is provided between the filter material supply station 60 and the lid welding station 80. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the inspection station 70 may be provided between other stations different from the filter material supply station 60 and the lid welding station 80, or the inspection performed by the inspection station 70 may be performed in conjunction with the operation of other stations .

According to the above-described embodiment, the defective container 12 is removed by the inspection station 70 and the transfer station 90. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an independent removal station may be provided at a position next to the transfer station 90 as viewed from the rotating direction of the drum 22 to remove the defective container 12.

In addition, the number of the pedestal 26, the pocket 28, the conveyance path 34a, etc. demonstrated in the said embodiment is not limited to the above-mentioned value. The number of pedestals 26 may also be greater than the number of stations.

In addition, the cartridge 1 produced by the manufacturing method of the present invention does not necessarily constitute the above-mentioned electronic cigarette. The cartridge 1 can also be used independently or can constitute a non-burning flavor inhaler other than the electronic cigarette described above.

20‧‧‧ Cartridge manufacturing device

22‧‧‧Drum

26‧‧‧pedestal

28‧‧‧ Pocket

30‧‧‧Container supply station

30A‧‧‧Container supply unit

40‧‧‧ Loading station

40A‧‧‧Loading unit

50‧‧‧Compression station

50A‧‧‧Compression unit

60‧‧‧Filter material supply station

60A‧‧‧Filter material supply unit

70‧‧‧ Checkpoint

70A‧‧‧ Inspection unit

80‧‧‧ lid welding station

80A‧‧‧Cap welding unit

90‧‧‧Transfer station

90A‧‧‧Transfer unit

100‧‧‧Scent source hopper (hopper)

200‧‧‧Packing station

Claims (19)

A method for manufacturing a cartridge containing a flavor source for a non-burning flavor taster, the manufacturing method includes: a container supply step of supplying a container including the cartridge; and filling the flavor source from a hopper storing the flavor source to A filling step in the container; and a compression step for compressing the flavor source filled in the container. A method for manufacturing a cartridge containing a flavor source for a non-burning flavor inhaler as described in item 1 of the patent scope, wherein in the compression step, the flavor source filled in the container is pushed using a push rod The diameter of the block of the flavor source is expanded to reduce or eliminate the gap between the inner surface of the container and the flavor source. A method for manufacturing a cartridge containing a flavor source for a non-burning flavor inhaler as described in item 2 of the patent scope, wherein in the compression step, the flavor source that has been pushed into the container is pushed The push rod is pulled out of the container, and the manufacturing method includes: a removal process of removing the flavor source attached to the push rod when the flavor source filled in the container is to be pushed again. The method for manufacturing a cartridge containing a flavor source for a non-burning flavor inhaler as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the filling step includes: disposing a reciprocating motion therein The process of collecting the scent source in the hopper by inserting the cylinder of the piston so that the scent source is collected into the cylinder; and After the cylinder is pulled out of the formation layer, the piston pushes out the flavor source in the cylinder and supplies the flavor source into the container. The method for manufacturing a cartridge containing a flavor source for a non-burning flavor inhaler as described in item 4 of the patent application range, wherein if the thrust acting on the flavor source by the piston during the filling step is the first thrust And in the compression step, the pushing force applied by the push rod to the fragrance source is the second pushing force, then the second pushing force is stronger than the first pushing force. The method for manufacturing a cartridge containing a flavor source for a non-burning flavor taster as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the flavor source includes tobacco. The method for manufacturing a cartridge containing a flavor source for a non-burning flavor inhaler as described in any of items 1 to 6 of the patent application scope includes: supplying the filter material into the container after the filling step Filter material supply steps. The method for manufacturing a cartridge containing a flavor source for a non-burning flavor inhaler as described in any one of items 1 to 7 of the patent application scope includes: after the filter material supply step, the cover is directed toward the opening edge of the container A lid connecting step of supplying the lid and then joining the opening edge of the container together is provided. A method for manufacturing a cartridge containing a flavor source for a non-burning flavor inhaler as described in item 8 of the patent application range, wherein the lid connection step is by fusing the lid to the opening edge of the container And proceed. The method for manufacturing a cartridge containing a flavor source for a non-burning flavor inhaler as described in item 9 of the patent application scope, wherein the welding is ultrasonic welding. A method for manufacturing a cartridge containing a flavor source for a non-burning flavor inhaler, the manufacturing method includes: a container supply step of supplying a container including the cartridge; and filling the flavor source into the cartridge from a hopper storing the flavor source A filling step in the container; and a layer forming step of forming the layer forming the flavor source in the hopper, wherein the layer forming step includes a stirring procedure of stirring the layer forming. The method for manufacturing a cartridge containing a flavor source for a non-burning flavor inhaler as described in item 11 of the patent application scope, wherein the filling step includes: inserting a cylinder in which a piston capable of reciprocating motion is inserted into The forming layer formed in the layer forming step so that the fragrance source is collected into the cylinder barrel collection process; and after the cylinder barrel is pulled out of the formation layer, the piston is used to extract the fragrance in the cylinder barrel The ejection process of supplying the fragrance source into the container by the source ejection. The method for manufacturing a cartridge containing a flavor source for a non-burning flavor inhaler as described in item 12 of the scope of the patent application, wherein the layer forming step includes: before the cylinder is inserted into the forming layer, the forming layer The first leveling procedure for equal layer thickness. The method for manufacturing a cartridge containing a flavor source for a non-burning flavor inhaler as described in item 12 or 13 of the scope of the patent application, wherein the layer forming step includes: after pulling out the cylinder from the forming layer The second leveling procedure for equalizing the thickness of the formed layer. The method for manufacturing a cartridge containing a flavor source for a non-burning flavor inhaler as described in any one of items 11 to 14 of the patent application scope, wherein, after the cylinder is pulled out of the formation layer, The flavor source below the depression formed by the formation layer stirs up the lower layer of the flavor source. A manufacturing device of a cartridge containing a flavor source for a non-burning flavor taster, the manufacturing device includes: a container supply unit configured to supply the container including the cartridge; and a filling unit configured to store the flavor source The hopper fills the fragrance source into the container, wherein the hopper is an annular chamber surrounded by: a tubular side wall, a ring-shaped tray arranged inside the side wall, and a The inner side of the tray is used to drive the rotation drive unit of the tray. The chamber includes a stirring rod disposed therein and extending radially toward the tray. The manufacturing apparatus of a cartridge containing a flavor source for a non-burning flavor taster as described in item 16 of the patent application range, wherein the stirring rod is arranged at a position lower than the surface of the layer. The manufacturing device of a cartridge containing a flavor source for a non-burning flavor inhaler as described in item 17 of the scope of the patent application, wherein the stirring rod is arranged equal to or less than the formation from the bottom of the chamber The height of the half of the layer thickness. The manufacturing device of a cartridge containing a flavor source for a non-burning flavor inhaler as described in any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the stirring rod extends over the entire radial width of the chamber .

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