US20230010804A1

US20230010804A1 - Method for assembling an aerosol generating article

Info

Publication number: US20230010804A1
Application number: US17/782,782
Authority: US
Inventors: Gennaro Campitelli; Daniele Sanna
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2019-12-16
Filing date: 2020-12-16
Publication date: 2023-01-12
Also published as: BR112022011308A2; JP2023505903A; CN114745976A; EP4076044A1; WO2021122796A1; KR20220116482A

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for assembling an aerosol generating article, wherein a first component (1) of the aerosol generating article is arranged in a first groove (3), and an at least partially hollow second component (2) of the aerosol generating article is arranged in a second groove (4). The first component (1) is pushed in a first direction (100) along the first groove (3) into the second component (2) in the second groove (4), by relatively moving the first groove (3) in a second direction (200) with respect to a guide element (6) with an engagement surface (7), such that the engagement surface (7) engages and pushes the first component (1) in the first direction (100). The invention further provides an apparatus for assembling an aerosol generating article and a use of an inclined engagement surface (7) for the insertion of a first component (1) in an at least partially hollow second component (2) of an aerosol generating article.

Description

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for assembling an aerosol generating article and the use of an inclined engagement surface for inserting a first component into a second component of an aerosol generating article.
It is known, for example from prior art document EP 2 552 255 B1, to longitudinally insert a capsule into a hollow opening in the absorbent material of a cigarette.
EP 2 999 363 B1 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,513,856 A teach to use plungers for inserting filter elements into mouth pieces of smoking articles, wherein the plungers longitudinally move in the direction of flutes of a rotatable assembly drum. More specifically, EP 2 999 363 B1 discloses a method for combining segments of a smoking article, wherein a transfer tool moves a truncated hollow cone into the air-intake tube of a heated smoking article. U.S. Pat. No. 3,513,856 A discloses the assembly of filters into a tubular end of a cigar mouthpiece, wherein spring loaded plungers push the filters along the flutes into mouthpieces. For this purpose, a stationary cam is provided, which engages the rear end of the spring-loaded plungers. DE 28 09 619 discloses an apparatus for altering the distance in the axial direction between two adjacent rows of items transported sideways in troughs, which can be used when assembling filter-tip cigarettes. WO 03/049560 A1 discloses a device for displacing a first terminal filter element in a cigarette, where the cigarette is arranged on a drum and a disc carrying a plurality of punchers is arranged across the drum with its axis of rotation inclined towards the axis of rotation of the drum.
It is the object of the present invention to provide a reliable apparatus, method and use for assembling components of aerosol generating articles.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for assembling an aerosol generating article, wherein a first component of the aerosol generating article is arranged in a first groove, and an at least partially hollow second component of the aerosol generating article is arranged in a second groove. The first component is pushed in a first direction along the first groove into the second component by relatively moving the first groove in a second direction with respect to a guide element with an engagement surface, such that the engagement surface engages and pushes the first component in the first direction. In particular, the first groove is moved in the second direction, while the guide element remains stationary. In an alternative embodiment, the first groove may remain stationary, while the guide element is moved in the second direction. In a further alternative embodiment, the first groove and the guide element may both be moved in opposite directions along the second direction.
The first direction and second direction are different, preferably arranged inclined or perpendicular to each other. By being forced to move relative to the engagement surface in the second direction, the first component is pushed in a first direction along the first groove and into the hollow part of the second component. In contrast to the prior art, no plungers have to be provided for pushing the components.
In particular, the engagement surface is inclined with respect to the second direction. The position of the engagement surface in the first direction may be defined by a function of the position of the engagement surface in the second direction. This function may in particular be a linear function, a differentiable function, or a continuous but non-differentiable function. When the engagement surface is defined by a linear function, the slope of the engagement surface is constant. This may enable that the speed of the first component in the first direction is substantially constant, while the movement speed of the first groove in the second direction is constant.
When the engagement surface is defined by a differentiable function, the slope of the engagement surface only changes gradually, namely the engagement surface is smooth. This may enable that the speed of the first component in the first direction may vary, while the movement speed of the first groove in the second direction is constant.
When the engagement surface is defined by a continuous, but non-differentiable function, at least one sharp bend may be present in the engagement surface. This may enable that the speed of the first component in the first direction may vary in an unsteady manner, for example abruptly increase or decrease, while the movement speed of the first groove in the second direction is constant.
The inner circumferential surface of the first groove and the inner circumferential surface of the second groove may be flush and continuous regarding each other, in particular forming sections of one integral groove. Alternatively, the inner circumferential surface of the first groove may not be flush with the inner circumferential surface of the second groove. That is, there may be a step at the junction surface between the first groove and the second groove. Several sets of first groove and second groove may be arranged next to each other in the second direction. The guide element may extend over several of at least the first grooves.
The first component has a proximal end and a distal end regarding the second component. The proximal end of the first component is the end of the first component, which is closer to the second component in the initial arrangement. The distal end of the first component is the end of the first component, which is more distant to the second component in the initial arrangement.
The first component may be a capsule comprising alkaloid-containing powder, in particular nicotine dry powder. Thus, it is important that the capsule is not damaged during insertion into the second component, as otherwise the whole production line could be negatively affected. The method may assemble more than several thousands of aerosol generating articles per minute. A broken capsule may require stopping the assembly manufacture and carrying out a cleaning operation.
The second component has a proximal end and a distal end regarding the first component. The proximal end of the second component is the end of the second component, which is closer to the first component in the initial arrangement. The distal end of the second component is the end of the second component, which is more distant to the first component in the initial arrangement.
The second component may be a tube, in particular formed of paper or cardboard. In some embodiments, the second component may be a hollow cellulose acetate tube.
The first component may have a cylindrical first section and a cylindrical second section, wherein the diameter of the first section is greater than the diameter of the second section. Preferably, the first section of the first component is arranged on the proximal end of the first component regarding the second component. This arrangement may facilitate the assembly, since the friction forces may be more constant during insertion. Alternatively, the first section of the first component may be arranged on the distal end of the first component regarding the second component. This may facilitate the assembly initially, but lead to higher friction forces towards the end of the assembly.
In particular, the first component may be a joint capsule made of two parts. That is, the capsule is formed by inserting the cylindrical second section into the cylindrical first section. Preferably, the two cylindrical sections form an enclosed volume inside the capsule. The content of the capsule may be arranged in this enclosed volume. The content may be the alkaloid-containing powder.
In one embodiment, the second component is at least partially formed as a cavity at its proximal end to the first component. The wall thickness of the cavity at the proximal end of the second component may correspond to the height of a step in between the second groove and the first groove. Thus, the inner surface of the cavity and the surface of the first groove may at least be partially flush. This may facilitate the insertion of the first component, as it may slide along this flush surface during insertion.
In particular, the cavity may have the form of a cylinder or a truncated cone. The first groove and the second groove may have a different depth or a different curvature radii, or different depth and curvature radius. The difference of the depth or curvature radii may correspond to the height of the step in between the second groove and the first groove.
In one embodiment, the first component and the second component are substantially aligned in their longitudinal directions to enable insertion, wherein in case of misalignment, the second component is pushed out of the second groove in a first direction by means of the first component. In particular, in case of misalignment, the first component pushed by the guide element applies a force to the second component, which is higher than the holding force of the second component in the second groove, such that the second component is pushed out of the second groove. The second component may be held by a holding force due to at least one of friction and air suction openings provided in the groove. The misalignment ejection of the second element may be facilitated by a ramp at the distal end of the second groove or by an open end at the distal end of the second groove. In particular, the distal end of the second groove is open. Namely, the distal end of the second groove is free of a counter-wall.
A second guide element in the form of a stationary downholder element may be provided above or radially outside the second grooves. The second guide element provides an engagement surface in a constant height or radial distance from the second groove. This height or radial distance substantially corresponds to the height or diameter of the second component ensuring that the second component cannot fall out of the second groove in the height or radial direction.
The first component and the second component are in particular aligned by being arranged substantially coaxially, such that the outer shape of the first component corresponds to the inner shape of the cavity of the second component. Thus, when the first component and the second component are aligned, the predominant pushing force on the first component in the first direction is caused by the guiding element, which progressively covers the first groove towards the second component in the second groove. The pushing force has to overcome the friction in between the first component and second component. The holding force of the second component in the second groove has to be higher than the pushing force. In case of misalignment of the first component and second component or other malfunctions during assembly, the holding force of the second component in the second groove may be lower than the pushing force. Consequently, the second component may be pushed out of the second groove.
In particular, the first groove and the second groove may be provided in axial alignment on a drum, wherein the drum rotates relative to the guide element, and wherein the guide element is arranged radially outside the drum and at least partially around the circumferential direction of the drum. The first direction may the axial direction of the drum. The second direction may be the circumferential direction of the drum.
In particular, the engagement surface is inclined with respect to the circumferential direction of the drum. Thus, the rotation of the drum leads to a gradual movement of the first groove under the guide element. This means, that in the relative perspective of the first groove, the engagement surface of the guide element moves in the first direction towards the second groove, pushing the first component along the first groove in the direction of the second component, and into the second component, which is arranged in the second groove.
Preferably, the engagement surface is arranged radially outside the proximal end of the second groove with respect to the first groove, when the component is fully inserted in the second component. The proximal end of the second groove with respect to the first groove is the end of the second groove being the closest or adjacent to the first groove. Since the second component is arranged in the second groove, this enables to fully insert the first component into the second component.
In one embodiment, an inner diameter of the second component is equal or smaller than an outer diameter of the first component, such that a friction fit retains the first component in the second component. The first component may be pushed or squeezed into a cavity or hollow part of the second component. This may enable a friction fit between the first component and the second component to retain the first component in the second component. This friction fit may be enabled by an inner surface of the second component or be provided by resilient protrusions on the inner surface of the second component or outer surface of the first component.
Alternatively, in one embodiment, an inner diameter of the second component may be bigger than an outer diameter of the first component, such that the first component can be readily pushed into the second component by the insertion force from the guide element. Because of the dimension differential, the second component less likely impose resistance to the first component and thus the insertion of the first component into the second component is facilitated.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for assembling an aerosol generating article, comprising a first groove for receiving a first component of the aerosol generating article, a second groove for receiving an at least partially hollow second component of the aerosol generating article, and a guide element with an inclined engagement surface. The first groove and the second groove extend in a first direction. The first groove and the second groove are movable relative to the guide element in a second direction, while the inclined engagement surface is arranged over the first groove or second groove. The inclined engagement surface may be arranged at least partially or fully overlapping with the first groove in the first direction, and optionally partially overlapping with the second groove in the first direction. The apparatus enables to push the first component or second component, such that either the first component is pushed into the second component, or the second component is pushed over the first component.
In one embodiment, the first groove and the second groove are formed on a drum, wherein the guide element is arranged at least partially around the circumference of the drum and the inclined engagement surface is inclined with respect to the circumferential direction of the drum. The first direction may the axial direction of the drum. The second direction may be the circumferential direction of the drum. Thus, rotation of the drum enables that the inclined engagement surface moves relative to the first groove and second groove in the respective axial direction.
The drum may be rotatable. A drive may be configured to rotate the drum. The guide element may be stationary. A feed apparatus for feeding the first component and the second component to the fluted drum, may be arranged at a stationary location. Further, the assembled element consisting of the first component inserted in the second component may be ejected to a downstream device at a stationary location. The drum may convey the first component and second component in the circumferential direction, while inserting the first component into the second component.
The second groove may be open in its axial direction on its distal end with respect to the first groove. A ramp may be provided on the distal end of the second groove. In particular, the distal end of the second groove is open. Namely, the distal end of the second groove is free of a counter-wall.
The first groove may be adapted to provide a smaller holding force to the first component, than the second groove to the second component. This may be enabled by a different number or size of air suction openings or holes, adapted to hold the components in the grooves or by a different negative pressure applied to air suction openings or holes holding the respective components. The first groove regarding the first component may have a lower coefficient of friction than the second groove regarding the second component. This may be enabled by a different coating or material of the grooves or components. For example, the first groove may be at least partially provided with a polymer coating, in particular a polytetrafluoroethylene coating, to reduce the coefficient of friction.
At least one of these features may enable that the movement of the second component in the first direction is lower than the movement of the first component in the first direction, which enables insertion of the first component into the second component. In particular, the second groove may be adapted to hold the second component stationary relative to the second groove.
A negative pressure holding means may be provided at least in the second groove, being adapted such that the holding force regarding the second component in the direction of the extension of the second groove is greater than the holding force regarding the first component in the direction of the extension of the first groove. In particular, the negative pressure holding means may be one or several air suction openings or holes, which are connected to a negative pressure source.
A detection system may be provided, wherein the detection system may be adapted to detect the presence of the first component inside the second component in the second groove. Preferably, the detection system is coupled with an ejection system, for discarding any defective second component from the second groove. The defect may in particular be the absence of a first component in the second component, a damaged first or second component, or an incorrect positioning of the second component in the second groove.
In particular, the detection system may be a capacitive sensor, which captures whether the first component is properly inserted in the second component. If a defective insertion state is detected, the second component, or the second component and first component may be marked for ejection in the ejection system. A protective cover may be arranged in between the second groove and the detection system, in particular a transparent protective cover, for example, made of a transparent polymer. The ejection system may be a nozzle or hole providing a pressured air jet, which applies a higher ejection force to the second component than the holding force of the second groove. The pressured air jet may be provided through the air suction opening or hole of the second groove or through a separately provided nozzle, opening or hole.
The apparatus may comprise an electronic controller, adapted to execute the method steps according to the embodiments of the method according to the invention. In particular, the electronic controller may have input/output electronics to communicate with various parts of the apparatus, in particular drives and actuators, and control them to execute the corresponding method steps. The drives and actuators may be adapted to execute the method steps automatically upon instruction of the electronic controller.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of an inclined engagement surface for the insertion of a first component in an at least partially hollow second component of an aerosol generating article, by means of engaging the first component with the inclined engagement surface, and moving the first component along the engagement surface. In particular, the engagement surface is inclined with respect to the movement direction of the first component relative to the second component. The inclination may be defined by a linear function, differentiable function or continuous but not-differentiable function. The movement direction of the first component relative to the second component may be defined by a groove. The inclined engagement surface is moved relatively with respect to the groove in the axial direction of groove. In particular, the groove may be provided on a rotatable drum.
In particular, the first groove and the second groove are extending in the axial direction of the drum. Preferably, the first groove and the second groove are coaxial. In particular, several sets of first grooves and second grooves are arranged equidistantly around the circumference of the drum. In particular, the first groove and second groove have different curvatures. In particular, the first and second groove have different curve radii.
In one embodiment, the first and second grooves may have the same cross section.
In particular, the apparatus, method and use according to the invention may be used for the manufacturing of stick-shaped aerosol generating articles including the second component in the form of an empty tube, into which is inserted the first component in the form of a capsule. The capsule may comprise alkaloid-containing powder, in particular nicotine dry powder formulation. The capsule may be adapted to be pierced by a piercing element before use, so that the nicotine dry powder may be released for consumption. The second component may be made of carton or wrapping paper rolled in a tube form. The second component may have at least one open end for insertion of the first component. The largest outer diameter of the first component around its longitudinal axis may be equal or inferior to the inner diameter of the second component in the interests of easy insertion. The first component and second component are manufactured separately and provided to the apparatus, method and use.
The method, apparatus and use according to the invention may be operated to process more than 1000 first components and second components, respectively, per minute. The method and apparatus according to the invention may enable, in particular, to securely and efficiently insert the first components inside the second components without damaging or breaking the first components. The drum may be a rotating drum having on its outer surface a plurality of flutes arranged in parallel along the longitudinal axis of the drum. The flutes may each comprise a first groove and second coaxial groove. There may be a suction system holding the content of each groove, namely the first component or second component.
Furthermore, the apparatus may comprise at least one feeding drum or hopper, feeding the first component in the first groove, and the second component in the second groove. The guiding element system may be stationary and provided in a fixed position at least partially around the circumference of the drum. The drum may rotate around a horizontal axis. The first and second components may be held in the respective grooves by means of air suction, while the drum is rotating. The at least one first groove may extend from a first axial position of the drum to a second axial position of the drum. In particular, the first axial position on the drum may be at an axially inner position on the drum. The at least one second groove may extend from the second axial position of the drum to a third axial position of the drum. The third axial position of the drum may be at the axial end of the drum. The first and second grooves may extend in the axial direction of the drum. The first and second grooves may be inclined regarding the axial direction of the drum. The first groove and second groove may have the shape of a circular segment in their cross section.
In particular, the first groove may have a smaller curvature radius than the curvature radius of the second groove. The difference between the curvature radius of the first groove and the curvature radius of the second groove is preferably inferior or equal to the difference between the outer radius of the second component and the outer radius of the first component. The second groove may open at the axial end of the drum. Thus, the second groove may be free of a counter-wall. The guide element preferably covers a circumferential part of the drum so that along the rotation of the insertion drum, the guide element covering the circumferential part of the drum progressively fully covers the first set of grooves from the first axial position to the second axial position.
The inventive method and apparatus may enable that a stationary guide element progressively pushes the contents of a first set of grooves towards the contents of a second set grooves. Thus, the first components may be pushed from the first grooves over the second axial position into the second grooves. The coaxial first groove and second groove with different curvature radii allow in particular to progressively move the first components into the second components without any obstacles in between the first and second groove. Furthermore, the open second grooves at the axial end of the drum allow that the second components are pushed over the axial end of the drum, if there is a problem of inserting the first component into the second component.
In one embodiment, there is provided a detection system with respect to the drum, in particular arranged downstream of the guide element, detecting the insertion of the first component in the second component. Furthermore, the detection system may be adapted to check the integrity of the first component inside the second component. The detection system may be a capacitive sensor. The detection system may be coupled with an ejection system for discarding first components, second components or first components and second components, if same are detected to be defective.
The present invention also provides an insertion drum, adapted to convey both first components in the form of capsules, and second components comprising a cavity, in flutes provided on the circumference of the drum. The flutes may extend in the axial direction of the drum. An inclined engagement surface may be provided at least partially over the flutes. Preferably, the flutes are open at at least one axial end side of the insertion drum, in particular by not having a counter-wall. The flutes may comprise aligned first grooves and second grooves.
The curvature radii and depth of the first grooves and second grooves may be different. A step in between the grooves may have a height, which corresponds to the difference of radius between the first groove and the second groove.
Due to the difference in diameters of the first section and second section of the first component, the first component may be arranged slightly tilted in the first groove, in particular with the first section having a bigger diameter toward the second groove. In particular, the air suction openings or holes in the first grooves and the second grooves are connected to a negative pressure source. In particular, the pressure in the negative pressure source is adjusted, such that the insertion force does not significantly move the second component in the axial direction during the insertion process.
The guide element covers a circumferential part of the drum so that during rotation of the drum, the guide element progressively covers the first groove. Thus, the guide element pushes the first component along the first groove and into the second component in the second groove.
In an alternative embodiment, the second component may be pushed by a guide element towards the first component, such that the second component is pushed over the first component.
The first groove may be covered with a low friction material, in particular with a polymer, such as polytetrafluorethylene, so as to decrease the friction regarding the first component.
In particular, the first component is a fragile element comprising a content, whose spillage into the apparatus should be avoided. The second groove may be free of a counter-wall or have an ejection ramp, such that when there is a problem during the insertion of the first component into the second component, the second component and first component move with respect to the second groove, preventing that a high force is applied on the first component.
The open distal end of the second groove with respect to the first groove reduces the risk that the first component in the form of a capsule breaks when a failure of the insertion operation occurs. By reducing the risk of the capsule breakage, which could lead to the need to clean the apparatus and therefore, significantly affect the assembly process, the machine downtime is significantly reduced. The feeding of the first component and the second component may be provided to the drum by two different upstream conveying elements, in particular rotating drums. The upstream conveying elements may be arranged such that the first component is arranged in the first groove and the second component is arranged in the second groove closely adjacent to each other.
The detection system may detect the integrity of the first component after insertion.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be further described with reference to the figures in which:

FIG. 1 shows a top view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows the cross-section 400-400, as indicated in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective front view of the apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view regarding a method according an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic view regarding a method according an embodiment of the invention;

The apparatus according to FIG. 1 enables the insertion of a first component 1, in the form of a capsule, in a second component 2, in the form of a hollow tube. The first component 1 is arranged in a first groove 3, while the second component 2 is arranged in a second groove 4. The first groove 3 and the second groove 4 are arranged in the circumferential surface of a drum 5 and extend preferably parallel to a first direction 100 of the drum 5, namely the axial direction. In particular, several pairs of coaxial first grooves and second grooves are distributed around the circumference of the drum, preferably equidistantly in second direction 200, namely the circumferential direction.
The drum 5 is driven to rotate around a central axis 300. A stationary guide element 6 is arranged at least partially around the circumference of the drum 5. The guide element 6 comprises an engagement surface 7 at the proximal side of the guide element 6 regarding the second grooves 4. The engagement surface 7 is adapted to push the first component 1 in the axial direction 100 into the second component 2.
In particular, the first component 1 rotates with the drum 5 and slides along the guide element 6. Since the guide element 6 gradually covers the first groove 3 when the drum rotates relative to the guide element 6, the engagement surface 7 pushes the first component 1 into the second component 2.
In FIG. 2 , the cross section 400-400 indicated in FIG. 1 is depicted. FIG. 2 illustrates the beginning of the insertion process of the first component 1 into the second component 2. As shown in FIG. 2 , the first component 1 has a proximal end 8, which is close to the second component 2. The first component has a distal end 9, which is far from the first component 2. The second component 2 has a proximal end 10, which is close to the first component 1. The second component 2 has a distal end 11, which is far from the first component 1.
The first component 1 may comprise a cylindrical first section 12, and a cylindrical second section 13, wherein the diameter of the first section 12 is greater than the diameter of the second section 13. In particular, the cylindrical first section 12 is arranged closer to the proximal end 8 of the first component 1, than to the distal end 9. In particular, the first component 1 is a capsule, wherein the first section 12 and second section 13 jointly form a capsule body, which is filled with an ingredient. Each of the first section 12 and second section 13 is a cap. The open end of the first section 12 is stuck on the open end of the second section 13 and form an enclosed volume inside the capsule body. Thus, by arranging the cylindrical first section 12 proximal to the second component 2, the counter-force applied by the second component 2 on the cylindrical first section 12 during insertion of the first component 1 in the second component 2 is directed in the closing direction of the cylindrical first section 12, and the first component 1 remains closed during insertion. Furthermore, by arranging the cylindrical first section 12 proximal to the second component 2, there is no risk for the capsule to be torn apart when the edge of the cylindrical first section 12 potentially gets stuck at an edge of the second component 2 during insertion.
The second component 2 comprises a cavity 14, which is at least provided at its proximal end 10. In the present embodiment, the second component 2 is provided in the form of the hollow tube. The inner passage of the tube forms the cavity 14.
A step 15 is present in between the first groove 3 and the second groove 4. In particular, the first groove 3 has a first depth 500, and the second groove 4 has a second depth 600, wherein the height of the step 15 corresponds to the difference in between the second depth 600 and the first depth 500. The second depth 600 is greater than the first depth 500. In particular, the first groove 3 has a cross section in the form of a circular segment, whose height is defined by the first depth 500. In particular, the second groove 4 has a cross section in the form of a circular segment, wherein its height is defined by the second depth 600. In a preferred embodiment, the height of the step 15 corresponds to the wall thickness of the second component 2 at its proximal end 10, such that the cavity 14 and the first groove 3 are at least partially flush. This facilitates the insertion process of the first component 1 into the second component 2.
In particular, at least one air suction opening 16 may be provided in the first groove 3 to hold the first component 1. At least one air suction opening 17 may be provided in the second groove 4 to hold the second component. The air suction opening 16, 17 may be a hole or bore towards the inside of the drum 5. Preferably, several air suction openings 17 are provided in the second groove 4 along the longitudinal extension of the second groove 4, to enable to properly hold the second component during the insertion of the first component 1.
The second groove 4 extends until an axial end side 18 of the drum 5. Thus, the second groove 4 is open in the axial direction 100 on its distal end 19 with respect to the first groove 3. The second component 2 may be pushed out of the second groove 4 via the axial end side 18 of the drum 5. The second component 2 is pushed out of the second groove 4, if a force in the longitudinal direction of the second groove 4 is applied to the second component 2, which is greater than the holding force of the air suction openings 17 and potential friction forces.
This enables to eject the second component 2, in case the insertion of the first component 1 fails, for example due to misalignment of the first component 1 and second component 2. As can be seen in FIG. 2 , the drum 5 may be formed of individual segments, which are connected to each other in the axial direction. In particular, a first segment may comprise the first grooves 3 and a second segment may comprise the second grooves 4.
In FIG. 1 , a detection system 20 is shown, which is arranged at the guide element 6, in particular at the circumferential downstream side of the guide element 6. The detection system 20 is adapted to check the presence of the first component 1 inside the second component 2. If such a presence is not detected, the second component 2 may be ejected from the drum 5, for example, by using a pressured air jet.
A second guide element 21 in the form of a stationary downholder, which circumferentially extends over at least several of the second grooves 2, while the second grooves 3 are transporting the second components. The second guide element 21 is in the form of a circular arc, extending partially around the circumference of the drum 5. The second guide element 21 acts as a supplement to the suction force from the air suction opening 17 to help retaining the second components 2 within the second grooves 4 during their rotating transportation or the insertion on the drum 5.
FIG. 3 shows a perspective frontal view of the drum 5 rotating in the circumferential direction 200 around the central axis 300. Thus, in the relative coordinate system of the drum 5, the inclined engagement surface 7 moves in the axial direction 100 over the first and second grooves 3, 4. The engagement surface 7 pushes a first component 1 present in the first groove 3 into the second component 2, which is held in the second groove 4.
This principle is also shown in FIG. 4 , where the engagement surface 7 gradually pushes the first components 1 into the second components 2. The drum 5 and the first groove 3 and second groove 4, arranged on the circumference of the drum 5, are moved in the circumferential direction 200, while the guide element 6 with the inclined engagement surface 7 remains stationary. The engagement surface 7 is inclined with respect to the circumferential direction 200 and the axial direction 100.
In alternative embodiments, instead of a circumferential movement of the grooves due to a rotation of a drum, a linear movement of the grooves in the second direction relative to the guide element may be provided such that the inclined engagement surface pushes the first components in the first direction into the second components. In particular, the movement of the grooves in the second direction may be perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the grooves in the first direction.
FIG. 5 shows the ejection of the second component 2, when the insertion of the first component 1 fails, in particular due to misalignment with the second component 2. The insertion may also fail, when the outer diameter of the first component 1 is outside of a tolerance range, or an inner diameter of the second component 2 is outside of a tolerance range. This may lead to higher axial forces on the second component 2 applied during the insertion of the first component 1. During a failed insertion, the second component 2 may be pushed in the first direction 100 out of the second groove 4. This applies in particular, when the insertion force is higher than the holding force of the second component 2 in the longitudinal direction of the second groove 4. Thus, it can be avoided that a failed insertion leads to a damaged first component. The first component and second component who could not be properly assembled are automatically removed from the assembly process.

Claims

1. A method for assembling an aerosol generating article,

arranging a first component of the aerosol generating article in a first groove,

arranging an at least partially hollow second component of the aerosol generating article in a second groove,

pushing the first component in a first direction along the first groove into the second component in the second groove, by relatively moving the first groove in a second direction with respect to a guide element with an engagement surface, such that the engagement surface engages and pushes the first component in the first direction.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first component is a capsule comprising alkaloid containing powder.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first component has a cylindrical first section and a cylindrical second section, wherein the diameter of the first section is greater than the diameter of the second section.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second component is at least partially formed as a cavity at its proximal end, wherein the wall thickness of the cavity at the proximal end corresponds to the height of a step in between the second groove and the first groove.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first component and the second component are substantially aligned in their longitudinal directions to enable insertion, and wherein in case of misalignment, the second component is pushed out of the second groove in the first direction by means of the first component.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first groove and the second groove are provided in axial alignment on a drum, wherein the drum rotates relative to the guide element, and wherein the guide element is arranged radially outside the drum and at least partially along the circumferential direction of the drum.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the engagement surface is arranged radially outside of the proximal end of the second groove with respect to the first groove, when the first component is fully inserted in the second component.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein an inner diameter of the second component is bigger than an outer diameter of the first component, such that the first component can be readily pushed into the second component by the insertion force from the guide element.

9. An apparatus for assembling an aerosol generating article, comprising

a first groove for receiving a first component of the aerosol generating article,

a second groove for receiving an at least partially hollow second component of the aerosol generating article, and

a guide element with an inclined engagement surface,

wherein the first groove and second groove extend in a first direction, and

wherein the first groove and the second groove are movable relative to the guide element in a second direction, while the inclined engagement surface is arranged over the first groove or second groove,

wherein the first groove and second groove are formed on a drum, wherein the guide element is arranged at least partially around the circumference of the drum, and the engagement surface of the guide element is inclined with respect to the circumferential direction of the drum.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the drum is rotatable and the guide element is stationary.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the second groove is open in its axial direction on its distal end with respect to the first groove.

12. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a negative pressure holding means is provided at least in the second groove, being adapted such that the holding force regarding the second component in the direction of the extension of the second groove is greater than the holding force regarding the first component in the direction of the extension of the first groove.

13. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a detection system is provided, adapted to detect the presence of the first component inside the second component in the second groove.

14. Use of an inclined engagement surface for the insertion of a first component in an at least partially hollow second component of an aerosol generating article, by means of engaging the first component with the engagement surface, and moving the first component along the engagement surface.