WO2016147396A1 - Production device for smoking article heat source - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a technique for producing a heat source used in a smoking article, wherein an object to be cut is cut without damaging said object. Provided is a device for producing a heat source 7 used in a smoking article, said device having a cutting station S1, which serves to form a semi-finished product 19 of a size set in advance by cutting a work piece 18 that has been molded in order to constitute a heat source, processing stations S2-S10, which serve to produce the heat source by subjecting the semi-finished product to various processes, and a transport mechanism 17, which transports the semi-finished product formed at the cutting station to the processing stations, wherein the transport mechanism is provided with support mechanisms 20a, 20b that support only one end portion of the work piece, and at the cutting station, the work piece is cut with only one end portion of said work piece being supported by the support mechanism.

Description

Manufacturing equipment for heat sources for smoking articles

The present invention relates to a technique for producing a heat source used in a smoking article.

As a heat source of a smoking article, for example, a carbon heat source and a tobacco molded body heat source are known.

The carbon heat source is configured by mixing, for example, carbon or calcium carbonate. The carbon heat source is set in a non-combustion type smoking article having an aerosol generating material (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the non-combustion type smoking article, the aerosol generating member is heated without burning by burning the carbon heat source. At this time, an aerosol containing a flavor component is generated from the aerosol generating member. A smoker can taste the flavor by sucking the aerosol.

The tobacco molded body heat source is set in a special smoking tool having a suction passage. The heat source is burned in a state set in a special smoking tool. At this time, an aerosol containing a flavor component is generated from the heat source. A smoker can taste the flavor by sucking the aerosol.

International Publication Number WO2007 / 119678 Pamphlet

By the way, the following techniques are known as manufacturing techniques of the carbon heat source and the tobacco molded body heat source. That is, a work made of a material for constituting a heat source is extruded. Subsequently, the work is dried. Thereafter, the workpiece is cut into a preset size. Thereby, a plurality of semi-finished products having the same dimensions are formed. Subsequently, various processes are performed on each semi-finished product. Thus, a heat source as a finished product is manufactured. However, since the workpiece to be cut is relatively brittle, it has been difficult to cut the workpiece without damaging the workpiece.

This invention is made | formed based on such a subject, The objective is to provide the technique which reduces the damage of a cutting object in the manufacturing technology of the heat source used for a smoking article, when cutting a cutting object. is there.

"First invention"
An apparatus for producing a heat source used for smoking articles,
A cutting station for forming a semi-finished product of a preset size by cutting a workpiece formed to constitute the heat source;
By performing various processes on the semi-finished product, a processing station for manufacturing the heat source;
A transport mechanism for transporting the semi-finished product formed at the cutting station to the processing station,
The transport mechanism is provided with a support mechanism that supports only one end portion of the workpiece,
The said cutting station WHEREIN: The said workpiece | work is a manufacturing apparatus of the heat source for smoking articles cut | disconnected in the state in which only the one end part was supported by the said support mechanism.

"Second invention"
In the cutting station, a rotary cutter for cutting the workpiece is provided,
The rotary cutter includes a rotary blade that cuts the workpiece by being advanced toward the workpiece while being rotated,
At the time of cutting the workpiece, the workpiece is decentered from the rotation center of the rotary blade with respect to the moving direction of the rotary blade, and the rotary blade is in contact with the moving direction of the rotary blade and the workpiece. The apparatus for manufacturing a heat source for a smoking article according to the first aspect, wherein a positional relationship between the rotary blade and the workpiece is set so that the rotation direction is positioned in a substantially opposite direction.

"Third invention"
The apparatus for manufacturing a heat source for a smoking article according to the first or second invention, wherein the cutting station is provided with a blow mechanism for injecting a gas toward the workpiece being cut.

"Fourth invention"
The workpiece has a hollow structure penetrating over both ends thereof,
The said blow mechanism is a manufacturing apparatus of the heat source for smoking articles as described in the 3rd invention which injects gas along the hollow structure of the said workpiece | work.

"Fifth invention"
The cutting station is provided with a support mechanism that supports only one end portion of the workpiece, and a pusher that pushes and supplies the workpiece toward the support mechanism,
The said blow mechanism is a manufacturing apparatus for smoking articles as described in the 4th invention provided in the said pusher.

"Sixth invention"
The transport mechanism includes first and second turntables that can be rotated intermittently, and the support mechanism is spaced along the periphery of the first and second turntables. Provided,
When the first and second turntables are intermittently rotated, the cutting station and the processing station are disposed at the stop position of the support mechanism, and the first turntable and the first turntable are arranged. A delivery processing station for delivering the semi-finished product by a reversing mechanism for delivering the semi-finished product between the two turntables;
The semi-finished product supported by the support mechanism of the first turntable is supported by the support mechanism of the second turntable in a state where both ends of the semi-finished product are reversed by the reversing mechanism. The apparatus for producing a heat source for a smoking article according to any one of the first to third inventions.

"Seventh invention"
In the delivery processing station, the reversing mechanism is the apparatus for manufacturing a heat source for a smoking article according to the sixth aspect of the invention including the support mechanism.

According to the present invention, the cutting target is cut while supporting only one end portion of the cutting target, so that the breakage of the cutting target can be reduced when the cutting target is cut.

The top view of the heat-source manufacturing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which shows the state in which the workpiece | work was inserted in the chuck | zipper (chuck) in the cutting station. The perspective view which shows the state by which the workpiece | work was cut | disconnected in the cutting station. The top view which shows the positional relationship of a rotary blade and a workpiece | work in a cutting station. The top view which shows the state of the stress (stress) which acts on a workpiece | work at the time of a cutting | disconnection in a cutting station. The perspective view which shows the structure for making a hole in the one end part of a semi-finished product in a processing station. The perspective view which shows the structure for chamfering to the one end part of a semi-finished product in a processing station. The perspective view which shows the structure of the inversion mechanism provided here in the delivery processing station. The perspective view which shows the structure for making a hole in the other end part of a semi-finished product in a processing station. The perspective view which shows the structure for chamfering the other end part of a semi-finished product in a processing station. The perspective view which shows the structure for forming a cross groove | channel (cross groove | channel) in the other end part of a semi-finished product in a processing station. The perspective view which shows the structure for forming a cross groove in the other end part of a semi-finished product in a processing station. The perspective view of the heat source used for a non-combustion type smoking article. The top view which shows the end surface of the heat source of FIG. The top view which shows the other end surface of the heat source of FIG. FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line F16-F16 in FIG. FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line F17-F17 in FIG. Sectional drawing of the non-combustion type smoking article provided with the heat source. The flowchart which shows the manufacturing process of the heat source of FIG. The top view which shows the structure of the heat-source manufacturing apparatus which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. The perspective view of the heat source used for a combustion type smoking article. The top view which looked at the heat source of FIG. 21 from the axial direction. The perspective view of the exclusive smoking tool in which the heat source of FIG. 21 is set. The flowchart which shows the manufacturing process of the heat source of FIG.

"One embodiment"
Hereinafter, a heat source manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, as an example, a technique for manufacturing a carbon heat source (hereinafter referred to as a heat source) used for a non-combustion smoking article will be described.
"About heat source 7"
As shown in FIG. 18, the non-combustion smoking article 1 includes a hollow cylindrical heat insulator 2, for example. A suction part 3 is provided at one end of the heat insulator 2. In the suction part 3, a filter 4 is provided inside the heat insulator 2. An ignition part 5 is provided at the other end of the heat insulator 2. The ignition unit 5 includes, for example, a hollow cylindrical heat resistant member 6 and a heat source 7 accommodated in the heat resistant member 6. The heat-resistant member 6 is attached to the heat insulator 2 with a part thereof being inserted into the other end of the heat insulator 2. Thereby, the heat source 7 is fixed to the heat insulator 2 via the heat-resistant member 6.

Furthermore, the heat insulating body 2 includes, for example, an aerosol generating unit 8 and a flavor generating unit 9 between the suction unit 3 and the ignition unit 5 described above. The aerosol generating part 8 is provided with an aerosol generating member (aerosol generating material). The flavor generating unit 9 is provided with a flavor generating member (flavor generating material).

As shown in FIG. 13 to FIG. 17, the heat source 7 is configured by mixing, for example, carbon or calcium carbonate. The heat source 7 has a columnar shape that can be accommodated in the above-described hollow cylindrical heat-resistant member 6. Horizontal grooves 10a and 10b and vertical grooves 11a and 11b orthogonal to the horizontal grooves 10a and 10b are formed at the tip of the heat source 7 (topionend portion).

The tip of the heat source 7 is provided with an ignition hole 12 for improving the ignitability, for example. The ignition hole 12 passes through the intersection of the horizontal grooves 10a and 10b and the vertical grooves 11a and 11b and extends from the top (top) of the heat source 7 toward the bottom (bottom). On the other hand, at the base end portion (bottom end portion) of the heat source 7, for example, a vent hole 13 for allowing air to pass therethrough is provided. The vent hole 13 extends from the base end of the heat source 7 toward the intersection of the horizontal grooves 10a and 10b and the vertical grooves 11a and 11b.

The extension end of the ignition hole 12 and the extension end of the vent hole 13 communicate with each other. The ignition hole 12 and the vent hole 13 constitute a series of through holes penetrating from the front end to the base end of the heat source 7. Further, the inner diameter of the ignition hole 12 is set larger than the inner diameter of the vent hole 13.

A chamfer 14 (hereinafter referred to as “tip chamfer”) is formed at the tip of the heat source 7 along the outer periphery thereof. The ignition hole 12 is opened at the tip of the heat source 7, and a chamfer 15 (hereinafter referred to as “drilling”) is formed along the inner periphery of the opening. On the other hand, a chamfer 16 (hereinafter referred to as a base end chamfer) is formed along the outer periphery of the base end of the heat source 7.

As the dimensions of the heat source 7, for example, when the total length H is set to 15 to 20 mm, the depth F1 of the horizontal grooves 10a and 10b and the vertical grooves 11a and 11b is 2 to 5 mm, and the depth F2 of the ignition hole 12 is 6 It is preferable to set the chamfering 14, 15 and 16 to 0.5 to 1.0 mm.

According to the non-combustion type smoking article 1, when a smoker sucks from the suction unit 3 in a state in which the heat source 7 is ignited, the air heated by the heat source 7 becomes the above-described through holes (ignition holes 12, vent holes). 13) through the interior of the insulation 2 through. At this time, the aerosol generating unit 8 and the flavor generating unit 9 are heated by the air. Thereby, the aerosol containing the flavor component is supplied to the filter 4. Thus, the smoker can taste the flavor by sucking the aerosol.

Here, the heat source 7 described above can be manufactured, for example, by a manufacturing process as shown in FIG.
For example, raw materials such as carbon and calcium carbonate are mixed to form a mixed product (process P1). While extruding the mixed product, it is stretched into a rod shape until it reaches a preset diameter (thickness). Thereby, the rod-shaped workpiece | work for comprising the heat source 7 is shape | molded (process P2). The workpiece is cut into a preset length (process P3). The cut workpiece is dried (process P4). Then, various types of processing are performed on the workpiece (process P5). Thereby, the above-mentioned heat source 7 is manufactured.

Note that the dry state of the workpiece is, for example, the amount of water contained in the workpiece is 10% by weight or less (in the specification, when the amount of water is expressed in weight%, the value is on a dry base). Refers to the state.

“Production equipment for heat source 7”
As an example, FIGS. 1 to 12 show the configuration of a heat source manufacturing apparatus used in the above-described process P5. The said heat source manufacturing apparatus can manufacture the above-mentioned heat source 7 by performing various processes with respect to a semi-finished product. The semi-finished product refers to a product that has been manufactured and processed halfway and is not a finished product.

As shown in FIG. 1, the heat source manufacturing apparatus includes a cutting station S1, a plurality of processing stations S2 to S10, and a transport mechanism 17. In the cutting station S1, the semi-finished product 19 (see FIG. 3) is formed by cutting the above-described dried bar-shaped workpiece 18. In each of the processing stations S2 to S10, various processes are performed on the semi-finished product 19 formed in the cutting station S1. The transport mechanism 17 transports the semi-finished product 19 formed at the cutting station S1 to the respective processing stations S2 to S10.

“Conveying mechanism 17”
As the transport mechanism 17, for example, a conveyor belt, a turntable, or the like can be applied. Here, as an example of the transport mechanism 17, circular first and second turntables 17 a and 17 b that support the semi-finished product 19 and can rotate intermittently around a rotation shaft (not shown) are assumed. The first and second turntables 17a and 17b are provided with a plurality of support mechanisms at intervals along the periphery. Each of the support mechanisms can support the semi-finished products 19 described above one by one.

Here, when the first and second turntables 17a and 17b are intermittently rotated, the plurality of support mechanisms can be intermittently moved along the circumferential direction. Thereby, a some support mechanism is moved along the circumferential direction, repeating a movement and a stop alternately. The cutting station S1 and the plurality of processing stations S2 to S10 are arranged at the stop positions of the plurality of support mechanisms.

Further, the first and second turntables 17a and 17b are configured to be intermittently rotatable on the same plane. The first and second turntables 17a and 17b are arranged with a positional relationship closest to each other in a delivery processing station S5, which will be described later, as a processing station.

In this case, the first and second turntables 17a and 17b may be rotated along the same direction as each other, or may be rotated along directions opposite to each other. As an example, the drawings show first and second turntables 17a and 17b that can rotate clockwise in the same direction.

The first turntable 17a is configured to intermittently stop a plurality of times (for example, five times) during one rotation. In such a configuration, the first turntable 17a is provided with five support mechanisms at intervals along the periphery thereof. A chuck 20a described later is applied as the support mechanism. The chuck 20 a is configured to be able to support one end portion (for example, the other end portion) of the semi-finished product 19. In other words, the semi-finished product 19 is supported by the chuck 20a in a state where one end portion (a portion opposite to the other end portion) is exposed (opened).

Furthermore, in the state where the first turntable 17a is stopped, one cutting station S1 and four processing stations S2 to S5 are arranged at the stop positions of the five chucks 20a.

Specifically, one cutting station S1 is disposed at the stop position of one chuck 20a. In addition, first to third processing stations S2 to S4 as three processing stations are arranged one by one at the stop positions of the three chucks 20a. In the first to third processing stations S2 to S4, various processes for one end portion of the semi-finished product 19 are performed. A delivery processing station S5, which will be described later, is disposed at the stop position of one chuck 20a.

On the other hand, the second turntable 17b is configured to intermittently stop a plurality of times (for example, six times) during one rotation. In this configuration, the second turntable 17b is provided with six support mechanisms at intervals along the periphery thereof. A chuck 20b described later is applied as the support mechanism. The chuck 20 b is configured to be able to support one end portion (for example, one end portion) of the semi-finished product 19. In other words, the semi-finished product 19 is supported by the chuck 20b in a state where the other end portion (the portion on the side opposite to the one end portion) is exposed (opened).

Furthermore, in the state where the second turntable 17b is stopped, six processing stations S5 to S10 are arranged at the stop positions of the six chucks 20a.

Specifically, a delivery processing station S5 described later is disposed at the stop position of one chuck 20b. Four to seventh processing stations S6 to S9 as four processing stations are arranged one by one at the stop positions of the four chucks 20b. In the fourth to seventh processing stations S6 to S9, various processes are performed on the other end portion of the semi-finished product 19 (the portion opposite to the one end portion). One product discharge processing station S10 as one processing station is disposed at the stop position of one chuck 20b. In the product discharge processing station S10, the heat source 7 as a finished product is discharged.

The delivery processing station S5 is arranged between the first turntable 17a and the second turntable 17b. In the delivery processing station S5, the semi-finished product 19 is delivered from the first turntable 17a to the second turntable 17b. That is, at the delivery processing station S5, when the semi-finished product 19 is delivered, the chuck 20a and the chuck 20b function as a reversing mechanism that reverses both ends of the semi-finished product 19.

In the transfer processing station S5, the reversing mechanism is constituted by two chucks 20a and 20b which are supporting mechanisms. That is, the two chucks 20a and 20b are positioned to face each other along the radial direction of the first and second turntables 17a and 17b. The reversing mechanism of this embodiment enables the delivery of the semi-finished product 19 by relatively bringing the two chucks 20a and 20b facing each other closer along the radial direction described above. Details of the reversing mechanism will be described later.

According to such a configuration, the semi-finished product 19 supported by the chuck 20a of the first turntable 17a has the chuck 20b of the second turntable 17b in a state where both ends of the semi-finished product 19 are reversed by the reversing mechanism. Supported by As a result, the semi-finished product 19 that has been transported by the first turntable 17a and has been subjected to various types of processing on one end portion is transferred from the first turntable 17a to the second turntable 17b by the reversing mechanism. Thereafter, various processes are performed on the other end portion while being transported by the second turntable 17b.

Here, the chucks 20a and 20b described above have the same configuration. For example, the chucks 20 a and 20 b include three claw portions 21. The three claw portions 21 are configured to be operable in an open state (see, for example, FIG. 2) that is spaced apart from each other and a closed state (see, for example, FIG. 3) that is close to each other. The opening / closing of the chucks 20a and 20b can be controlled by operating an actuator (not shown).

That is, when the one end portion of the workpiece 18 or the semi-finished product 19 is not supported by the chucks 20a and 20b, the three claw portions 21 can be maintained in an open state separated from each other. Thereby, the one end part of the workpiece | work 18 or the semi-finished product 19 can be smoothly inserted in chuck | zipper 20a, 20b (refer FIG. 2, FIG. 8).

Furthermore, the three claw portions 21 can be maintained in a closed state in which one end portion of the workpiece 18 is close to each other when the workpiece 18 is inserted into the chucks 20a and 20b. At this time, one end portion of the workpiece 18 or the semi-finished product 19 is sandwiched between the claw portions 21. In this state, one end portion of the workpiece 18 or the semi-finished product 19 cannot be pulled out from the chucks 20a and 20b. As a result, the workpiece 18 or the semi-finished product 19 is supported by the chucks 20a and 20b (see FIGS. 3 and 6 to 12).

The chucks 20a and 20b can insert the workpiece 18 or the semi-finished product 19 along the radial direction of the first and second turntables 17a and 17b, respectively, and the radial direction It is comprised so that the semi-finished product 19 can be supported along.

"About cutting station S1"
The cutting station S1 has a supply mechanism 22 for supplying the above-described dried bar-shaped workpiece 18 to the stop position of the first turntable 17a, and a chuck for supporting one end portion (the other end portion) of the supplied workpiece 18. 20a. In addition, as the supply mechanism 22, a conveyor belt, a hopper (hopper), etc. are applicable, for example. Here, as an example of the supply mechanism 22, a hopper capable of supplying the workpiece 18 toward the chuck 20a with a pusher (not shown) is assumed.

According to this supply mechanism (hopper) 22, the workpiece 18 can be supplied along the radial direction of the first turntable 17a. Thereby, the one end part (other end part) of the said workpiece | work 18 can be smoothly inserted in chuck | zipper 20a (between the claw parts 21 of an open state) (refer FIG. 2).

When the workpiece 18 is inserted into the chuck 20a, the three claw portions 21 are maintained in the closed state. At this time, one end portion (the other end portion) of the work 18 is sandwiched between the claw portions 21. In other words, one end portion of the workpiece 18 is in an exposed (open) state that is not supported by the chuck 20a. As a result, the workpiece 18 is in a state where only one end portion (the other end portion) is supported by the chuck 20a (see FIG. 3).

Further, the cutting station S1 is provided with a cutting mechanism for cutting the workpiece 18. A rotary cutter is provided as an example of the cutting mechanism. The rotary cutter is provided with a rotary blade 23. The rotary blade 23 can cut the workpiece 18 by being advanced toward the workpiece 18 while rotating. The rotary blade 23 is configured, for example, by arranging a cutter, a grindstone, or the like concentrically and continuously around the rotation center 23s. The rotary blade 23 is fixed to the rotary shaft 25 of the motor 24, for example.

The rotary shaft 25 passes through the rotation center 23 s of the rotary blade 23 and is arranged in parallel along the extending direction of the workpiece 18. In this case, when the motor 24 is rotated, the rotational motion at that time is transmitted from the rotary shaft 25 to the rotary blade 23. Thereby, the rotary blade 23 can be rotated along the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the workpiece 18.

Furthermore, the motor 24 is supported by a movable base 26. The movable base 26 can be reciprocated along the circumferential direction of the first turntable 17a. By operating the movable base 26, the rotary blade 23 can be advanced toward the workpiece 18 while the rotary blade 23 is rotated by the motor 24.

Thereby, the workpiece 18 can be cut along the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the workpiece 18. In other words, the work 18 is cut to the side by the rotary blade 23. At this time, the workpiece 18 is cut to a preset size in a state where only one end portion thereof is supported by the chuck 20a.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, when the workpiece 18 is cut, the positional relationship between the rotary blade 23 and the workpiece 18 is set so as to satisfy first and second conditions described later.
As a first condition, when the workpiece 18 is cut, the workpiece 18 is in a position eccentric from the rotation center 23 s of the rotary blade 23 with respect to the traveling direction 27 of the rotary blade 23. That is, when the rotary blade 23 has advanced along the traveling direction 27, the workpiece 18 is not positioned at a position overlapping the rotation center 23s.
As a second condition, when the workpiece 18 is cut, the workpiece 18 is positioned at a position where the traveling direction 27 of the rotary blade 23 and the rotational direction 28 of the rotary blade 23 contacting the workpiece 18 are substantially opposite to each other. That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, the work piece is positioned at a position where the rotation direction component 100 of the rotary blade 23 in contact with the work 18 includes an opposite direction component 100 a opposite to the traveling direction 27 of the rotary blade 23. 18 is positioned. Here, in the rotation direction component 100, the first component parallel to the traveling direction 27 of the rotary blade 23 is 100a, and the second component orthogonal to the first component 100a is 100b.

In this way, the stress generated in the workpiece 18 by cutting the workpiece 18 so as to support only one end portion (the other end portion) of the workpiece 18 and satisfy the first and second conditions at the same time. Can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce or prevent the occurrence of a situation where the workpiece 18 is chipped or broken during cutting.

Here, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the rotary blade 23 and the workpiece 18 are brought into contact with each other without being decentered from the rotation center 23s, a stress 29 is generated in the workpiece 18. The stress 29 is a stress generated in a direction passing through the rotation center 23 s of the rotary blade 23 and toward the traveling direction 27. On the other hand, when the rotary blade 23 and the workpiece 18 are brought into contact with each other in a state of being eccentric from the rotation center 23 s, a stress 29 a is generated on the workpiece 18. At this time, the stress 29a generated in the workpiece 18 is at a level in which the stress 29 'during contact is dispersed.

That is, the stress 29 ′ is dispersed into a first component 29 a orthogonal to the circumferential direction of the rotary blade 23 and a second component 29 b orthogonal to the first component 29 a. The first component 29a is at a level smaller than the stress 29 described above. In this case, when the rotary blade 23 finishes cutting the workpiece 18 when the workpiece 18 is cut, the stress 29a generated in the workpiece 18 is smaller than the stress 29 described above, and thus the rotary blade 23 rotates without being decentered from the rotation center 23s. As compared with the case where the blade 23 and the workpiece 18 are brought into contact with each other, the chip generated at the end of cutting is reduced.

Furthermore, at the time of cutting, the workpiece 18 is maintained in a state where only one end portion (the other end portion) is supported. In this state, when the rotary blade 23 and the work 18 come into contact with each other, the stress generated in the work 18 (for example, the stress 29a described above) is easy to escape.

Thereby, from the start of cutting to the end of cutting, the workpiece 18 is in a state where a small stress 29a is generated, and the stress 29a is easy to escape. As a result, it is possible to reduce or prevent the occurrence of a situation where the workpiece 18 is chipped or broken during cutting.

Furthermore, by satisfying the above first and second conditions at the same time, the moving speed of the rotary blade 23 when cutting the workpiece 18 can be increased. The moving speed of the rotary blade 23 refers to a forward speed when the rotary blade 23 is advanced toward the workpiece 18 during cutting. Thereby, the cutting efficiency of the workpiece | work 18 can be improved.

Further, the cutting station S1 is provided with an air blow mechanism 30 for injecting gas (compressed air) toward the workpiece 18 being cut. The air blow mechanism 30 includes an injection nozzle 31 that injects compressed air supplied from a pump (not shown). By injecting compressed air from the injection nozzle 31, for example, chips and chips generated at the time of cutting can be removed.

Thereby, a semi-finished product 19 that is always cleaned can be formed. In addition to the cutting station S1, the air blow mechanism 30 may be provided in other processing stations S2 to S10.

Thus, a semi-finished product 19 having a preset size is formed by cutting the workpiece 18 (see FIG. 3). The semi-finished product 19 is conveyed to the processing stations S2 to S5 by the first turntable 17a with one end portion (the other end portion) supported by the chuck 20a. In the processing stations S3 to S4, various processes for one end portion of the semi-finished product 19 are performed.

“About the first processing station S2”
In the first processing station S2 as the processing station, the semi-finished product 19 corresponding to both end portions of the workpiece 18 is discharged. It is assumed that both end portions of the work 18 are deformed at the time of cutting (see process P3 in FIG. 19). Therefore, by discharging the both end portions of the work 18, variations in the shape of all the semi-finished products 19 can be reduced. The semi-finished product 19 corresponding to the portion excluding both end portions of the work 18 is conveyed to a second processing station S3 as a processing station while being supported by the chuck 20a.

“About the second processing station S3”
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the second processing station S <b> 3 is provided with a hole forming mechanism for forming a hole in one end portion of the semi-finished product 19. The hole forming mechanism includes a drill 32 for hole formation. The drill 32 is connected to the motor 33 via a connection mechanism (not shown), for example. The motor 33 is supported on the movable base 34.

The movable base 34 can be reciprocated along the radial direction of the first turntable 17a. By operating the movable base 34, the drill 32 can be advanced toward one end portion of the semi-finished product 19 while the drill 32 is rotated by the motor 33.

Thereby, the vent hole 13 (see FIGS. 16 and 17) can be formed in one end portion of the semi-finished product 19. The semi-finished product 19 in which the vent hole 13 is formed is conveyed to a third processing station S4 as a processing station while being supported by the chuck 20a.

“About the third processing station S4”
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the third processing station S <b> 4 is provided with a chamfering mechanism that chamfers one end portion of the semi-finished product 19. The chamfering mechanism includes a grinder 35. The grinder 35 is provided with a tapered surface 35s for grinding. The tapered surface 35s has a contour corresponding to the chamfered shape. The grinder 35 is connected to a motor 37 via a connecting shaft 36. The motor 37 is supported on the movable base 38.

The movable base 38 can be reciprocated along the radial direction of the first turntable 17a. By operating the movable base 38, the tapered surface 35 s of the grinder 35 can be advanced toward one end portion of the semi-finished product 19 while rotating the grinder 35 by the motor 37.

Thereby, the above-described base end chamfer 16 (see FIGS. 16 and 17) can be formed at one end portion of the semi-finished product 19. The semi-finished product 19 in which the base end chamfer 16 is configured is conveyed to a delivery processing station S5 as a processing station while being supported by the chuck 20a.

“About delivery processing station S5”
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, in the delivery processing station S5, the semi-finished product 19 is delivered from the first turntable 17a to the second turntable 17b. The transfer processing station S5 is provided with a reversing mechanism that reverses both ends of the semi-finished product 19 when the semi-finished product 19 is delivered. In the reversing mechanism, the semi-finished product 19 is delivered by bringing the two chucks 20a, 20b facing each other relatively closer along the radial direction of the first and second turntables 17a, 17b.

Here, as a method of relatively approaching the two chucks 20a and 20b along the radial direction, a method of moving the chuck 20a toward the chuck 20b, a method of moving the chuck 20b toward the chuck 20a, A method of moving both the chuck 20a and the chuck 20b toward the other party can be applied.

The chuck 20a is supported by a movable base (not shown). The movable base can be reciprocated along the radial direction of the first turntable 17a. By operating the movable base, the chuck 20a can be moved toward the chuck 20b. The chuck 20b is supported by a movable base (not shown). The movable base can be reciprocated along the radial direction of the second turntable 17b. By operating the movable base, the chuck 20b can be moved toward the chuck 20a.

In any method, the chuck 20b of the second turntable 17b is kept open. Thereby, the two chuck | zipper 20a, 20b can be relatively inserted, and the one end part of the semi-finished product 19 supported by the chuck | zipper 20a can be smoothly inserted in the chuck | zipper 20b.

When the one end portion of the semi-finished product 19 is inserted into the chuck 20b, the three claw portions 21 are maintained in the closed state. Thereby, the one end part of the semi-finished product 19 is pinched | interposed between the said nail | claw parts 21. FIG. In this state, one end portion of the semi-finished product 19 cannot be pulled out from the chuck 20b. At this time, the semi-finished product 19 is supported by the chuck 20b. Thereafter, after the chuck 20a is opened, the two chucks 20a and 20b are relatively moved away from each other. As a result, the semi-finished product 19 can be transferred from the first turntable 17a to the second turntable 17b.

That is, the semi-finished product 19 supported by the chuck 20a of the first turntable 17a is in a state where one end portion thereof is exposed (opened). Then, by reversing both ends of the semi-finished product 19 by the above-described reversing mechanism, the semi-finished product 19 is supported by the chuck 20b of the second turntable 17b with the other end portion exposed (opened). . In other words, in the delivery processing station S5, the end portion of the semi-finished product 19 that is exposed (opened) is switched by the reversing mechanism.

The semi-finished product 19 supported by the chuck 20b is conveyed to the processing stations S6 to S10 by the second turntable 17b with the other end portion exposed. In each of the processing stations S6 to S9, various processes for the other end portion of the semi-finished product 19 are performed.

“About the 4th processing station S6”
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, the fourth processing station S <b> 6 as a processing station is provided with a hole forming mechanism for forming a hole in the other end portion of the semi-finished product 19. The hole forming mechanism includes a drill 39 for forming holes. The drill 39 is connected to the motor 40 via a connection mechanism (not shown), for example. The motor 40 is supported on the movable base 41.

The movable base 41 can be reciprocated along the radial direction of the second turntable 17b. By operating the movable base 41, the drill 39 can be advanced toward the other end portion of the semi-finished product 19 while the drill 39 is rotated by the motor 40.

Thereby, the above-described ignition hole 12 (see FIGS. 16 and 17) can be formed in the other end portion of the semi-finished product 19. The semi-finished product 19 in which the ignition hole 12 is formed is transported to a fifth processing station S7 as a processing station while being supported by the chuck 20b.

“About Fifth Processing Station S7”
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, the fifth processing station S <b> 7 is provided with a chamfering mechanism that chamfers the other end portion of the semi-finished product 19. The chamfering mechanism includes a grinder 42. The grinder 42 is provided with two tapered surfaces 42a and 42b for grinding. The tapered surface 42a has a contour corresponding to the shape of the tip chamfer 14 (see FIGS. 16 and 17). The tapered surface 42b has a contour corresponding to the shape of the hole chamfer 15 (see FIGS. 16 and 17). The grinder 42 is connected to the motor 44 via a connecting shaft 43. The motor 44 is supported on the movable base 45.

The movable base 45 can be reciprocated along the radial direction of the second turntable 17b. By operating the movable base 45, the tapered surfaces 42 a and 42 b of the grinder 42 can be advanced toward the other end portion of the semi-finished product 19 while rotating the grinder 42 by the motor 44.

Thereby, the tip chamfering 14 and the hole chamfering 15 (see FIGS. 16 and 17) can be formed on the other end portion of the semi-finished product 19. The semi-finished product 19 in which the chamfers 14 and 15 are configured is conveyed to a sixth processing station S8 as a processing station while being supported by the chuck 20b.

“About the 6th processing station S8”
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 11, the sixth processing station S <b> 8 is provided with a groove processing mechanism for forming a lateral groove in the other end portion of the semi-finished product 19. The grooving mechanism includes a disc-shaped grindstone 46. The rotating shaft of the grindstone 46 is positioned parallel to the rotating shaft of the second turntable 17b, and is configured to be rotatable in this state. The grindstone 46 is supported by the first slider 47.

The first slider 47 can be reciprocated along the circumferential direction of the second turntable 17b. The first slider 47 is supported by the second slider 48. The second slider 48 can be reciprocated along a direction orthogonal to the operation direction of the first slider 47.

By operating the first and second sliders 47 and 48, the rotated grindstone 46 can be moved in a direction crossing the other end portion of the semi-finished product 19. As a result, the lateral grooves 10a and 10b (see FIG. 13) can be formed in the other end portion of the semi-finished product 19. The semi-finished product 19 in which the lateral grooves 10a and 10b are formed is conveyed to a seventh processing station S9 as a processing station while being supported by the chuck 20b.

"About 7th processing station S9"
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 12, the seventh processing station S <b> 9 is provided with a groove processing mechanism for forming a vertical groove in the other end portion of the semi-finished product 19. The grooving mechanism includes a disc-shaped grindstone 49. The rotating shaft of the grindstone 49 is positioned in a direction perpendicular to the rotating shaft of the grindstone 46 described above, and is configured to be rotatable in this state. The grindstone 49 is supported by the first slider 50.

The first slider 50 can be reciprocated along the radial direction of the second turntable 17b. The first slider 50 is supported by the second slider 51. The second slider 51 can be reciprocated along a direction orthogonal to the operation direction of the first slider 50.

By operating the first and second sliders 50, 51, the rotated grindstone 49 can be moved in the direction of longitudinally cutting the other end portion of the semi-finished product 19. Thereby, the above-described vertical grooves 11a and 11b (see FIG. 13) can be formed in the other end portion of the semi-finished product 19. The semi-finished product 19 in which the longitudinal grooves 11a and 11b are formed is conveyed to a product discharge processing station S10 as a processing station while being supported by the chuck 20b.

“About Product Discharge Processing Station S10”
As shown in FIG. 1, the chuck 20b is maintained in the open state at the product discharge processing station S10. Thereby, the heat source 7 as a finished product is discharged.

"Effect of one embodiment"
According to the present embodiment, since only one end portion of the workpiece 18 is supported in the above-described cutting station S1, when pressure is applied to the workpiece 18 at the time of cutting, the stress generated in the workpiece 18 easily escapes. A structure can be realized. Thereby, the workpiece | work 18 is always maintained in the state from which stress is easy to escape from the start of cutting to the end of cutting. As a result, it is possible to reduce or prevent the occurrence of a situation where the workpiece 18 is chipped or damaged.

According to the present embodiment, the stress generated in the workpiece 18 can be reduced by cutting the workpiece 18 so that the first and second conditions described above are simultaneously satisfied in the cutting station S1. Thereby, even if the workpiece 18 is in a dry and relatively fragile state, the workpiece 18 can be cut without being chipped or damaged. In this case, it is possible to form a semi-finished product 19 having a preset contour. As a result, the accuracy and yield of the heat source 7 that is a finished product can be maintained constant.

According to the present embodiment, the moving speed of the rotary blade 23 relative to the work 18 when the work 18 is cut can be improved by satisfying the first and second conditions described above. Thereby, the relative speed of the workpiece | work 18 and the rotary blade 23 can be raised. As a result, the cutting efficiency of the workpiece 18, in other words, the formation efficiency of the semi-finished product 19 can be improved.

According to the present embodiment, when the semi-finished product 19 is reversed at the delivery processing station S5 described above, at the same time, the other semi-finished products 19 are processed at the other processing stations S1 to S4 and S6 to S10. Processing can be performed all at once. Thereby, it is possible to continuously process both end portions of the semi-finished product 19 in a series of processing processes. As a result, the productivity of the heat source 7 which is a finished product can be improved.

In the above-described embodiment, the number of chucks 20a and 20b provided on the first and second turntables 17a and 17b and the stop positions of the first and second turntables 17a and 17b are adjusted. Therefore, it is possible to realize a heat source manufacturing apparatus according to all needs and applications.

In the above-described embodiment, when only one end portion of the semi-finished product 19 is processed, the heat source manufacturing apparatus is realized by one of the first and second turntables 17a and 17b. be able to.

"Other embodiments"
Hereinafter, a heat source manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, as an example, a manufacturing technique of a tobacco molded body heat source (hereinafter referred to as a heat source) used for a combustion-type smoking article will be described.
"About heat source 52"
FIG. 23 shows a fire-tube-like smoking tool 53 in which, for example, a cylindrical heat source (solid tobacco) 52 can be set as a combustion-type smoking article. The smoking tool 53 includes a pipe bowl 54 into which the heat source 52 is inserted, a suction part (mouthpiece) 55 that the smoker holds in the mouth, and a metal pipe part that connects the fire dish 54 and the suction part 55. 56. The portion of the tube portion 56 that the smoker grips with fingers is covered with a cover 57 made of silicon.

According to the smoking tool 53, the heat source 52 is ignited, and the heat source 52 is burned in a state where the heat source 52 is plugged into the pan. In this state, an aerosol containing a flavor component is generated from the heat source 52. At this time, when the smoker sucks from the suction part 55, the aerosol containing the flavor component is supplied to the suction part 55 through the pipe part 56. Thus, the smoker can taste the flavor by sucking the aerosol.

As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the columnar heat source 52 is concentrically formed around the central axis 52s. The heat source 52 has a hollow structure (for example, a honeycomb structure) containing a tobacco raw material. In addition, as a tobacco raw material, the raw material employ | adopted for commercially available tobacco products, such as Burley seed | species (Burley), yellow seed | species (Flue-Cured), orient seed | species (Orient), is applicable, for example.

The heat source 52 has an outer peripheral wall 58, a first end surface 59, and a second end surface 60. The outer peripheral wall 58 is formed concentrically around the central axis 52s. The first and second end faces 59, 60 are provided opposite to both sides of the outer peripheral wall 58, and are disposed along a direction orthogonal to the central axis 52s.

Furthermore, the outer peripheral wall 58 is provided with a plurality of slits 61. The plurality of slits 61 extend in parallel along the central axis 52s. The slits 61 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral wall 58. Both ends of the plurality of slits 61 are opened in the first and second end surfaces 59 and 60.

In the honeycomb structure, a lattice-shaped partition wall 62 and a circular center hole 63 are formed in a region surrounded by the outer peripheral wall 58.

The partition walls 62 are provided concentrically and radially around the center hole 63. A plurality of ventilation paths 64 are formed in a region surrounded by the partition wall 62. The plurality of air passages 64 extend in parallel along the central axis 52s. Both ends of the plurality of ventilation paths 64 are opened to the first and second end surfaces 59 and 60. As the cross-sectional shape of the ventilation path 64, for example, various shapes such as a rectangular shape and a triangular shape can be applied.

The center hole 63 is surrounded by the air passage 64 described above. The center hole 63 extends coaxially along the center axis 52s. Both ends of the center hole 63 are opened to the first and second end surfaces 59 and 60.

In the specification of the heat source 52, for example, the total length L is 7 mm, the diameter D is 6.1 mm, the thickness W1 of the outer peripheral wall 58 is 0.1 to 0.5 mm, and the thickness W2 of the partition wall 62 is 0.1 to 0. It is preferable to set it to .5 mm.

Here, the heat source 52 can be manufactured by a manufacturing process as shown in FIG. 24, for example.
For example, tobacco raw materials such as Burley seed, yellow seed, orient seed are pulverized (process T1). The ground tobacco material, a binder (for example, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)), a liquid (for example, water), etc. are mixed at a preset ratio to produce a tobacco mixture having a water content of about 30% by weight ( Process T2).

A rod-shaped workpiece for forming the heat source 52 is formed by extending the tobacco mixed product to a preset diameter (thickness) while extrusion molding (process T3). The workpiece has the above-described honeycomb structure (see FIGS. 21 and 22). The workpiece is transferred to the cutting work area by the transfer device.

In the cutting work area, the workpiece is cut to a preset length by a cutting device (process T4). The length of the workpiece can be freely set, but here, as an example, a workpiece cut into a length of 263 mm is assumed. The cut workpieces are subjected to a drying process in a constant temperature environment (process T6) in a state where, for example, 10 pieces are aligned on the drying tray (process T5).

Thereafter, the dried workpiece is cut to form a semi-finished product that matches the contour (size) of the heat source 52 (process T7). A plurality of semi-finished products are accommodated in the conditioning tray and aligned (process T8).

Next, a plurality of semi-finished products are harmonized (process T9). In the harmony process, a harmony tray in which a plurality of semi-finished products are arranged is accommodated in a harmony room, for example, for 24 hours. During this time, the conditioning room is kept at a constant temperature (for example, 22 ° C.) and a constant humidity (for example, 60%). Thereby, the flavor component which has a taste (smoke flavor) is added to a semi-finished product.

Subsequently, the harmony tray is taken out from the harmony room and then set in the dispenser. In the dispenser, liquid fragrance is added to the harmonized semi-finished product (process T10). Thereby, the heat source 52 is completed. The heat source 52, which is a finished product, is taken out from the conditioning tray and then packaged in a container (process T11).

“About the manufacturing equipment of the heat source 52”
FIG. 20 shows, as an example, the configuration of the heat source manufacturing apparatus used in the above-described processes T7 to T8 among the heat source 52 manufacturing apparatus. The heat source manufacturing apparatus includes a cutting station S11, an alignment processing station S12 as a processing station, and a transport mechanism 65.

In the cutting station S11, a plurality of semi-finished products 19 are formed by cutting the bar-shaped workpiece 18 described above. In the alignment processing station S12, the semi-finished products 19 formed in the cutting station S11 are accommodated in the conditioning tray 66 and aligned. The transport mechanism 65 transports the semi-finished product 19 formed at the cutting station S11 to the alignment processing station S12.

In addition, the rod-shaped workpiece 18 and the semi-finished product 19 have the above-described honeycomb structure (see FIGS. 21 and 22). Therefore, the slit 61, the center hole 63, and the air passage 64 described above are continuous along the rod-shaped workpiece 18 and the semi-finished product 19, and are opened at both ends of the rod-shaped workpiece 18 and both ends of the semi-finished product 19.

About the transport mechanism 65
As the conveyance mechanism 65, for example, a conveyor belt, a turntable, or the like can be applied. Here, as an example of the transport mechanism 65, a circular turntable 67 that supports the semi-finished product 19 and can rotate intermittently around a rotation shaft (not shown) is assumed. The turntable 67 is provided with a plurality of holders 68 at intervals along the periphery thereof. Details of the holder 68 will be described later.

Here, when the turntable 67 is rotated intermittently, the plurality of holders 68 can be moved intermittently along the circumferential direction. Thereby, the plurality of holders 68 are moved along the circumferential direction while alternately repeating the movement and the stop. At the stop positions of the plurality of holders 68, the cutting station S11 and the alignment processing station S12 described above are arranged.

The turntable 67 is configured to intermittently stop a plurality of times (for example, four times) during one rotation. In such a configuration, the turntable 67 is provided with four holders 68 at intervals along the periphery thereof. Further, in a state where the turntable 67 is stopped, the cutting station S11, the alignment processing station S12, and the first and second intermediate processing stations S13 and S14 as two processing stations are arranged at the stop positions of the four holders 68. ing.

Specifically, one cutting station S11 and one alignment processing station S12 are arranged at the stop positions of the two holders 68 that are opposed to the turntable 67 in the radial direction. The first and second intermediate processing stations S13 and S14 are arranged one by one at the stop positions of the other two holders 68.

The turntable 67 is provided with a placement surface 67s on which the semi-finished product 19 can be placed. The mounting surface 67 s is configured along the circumferential direction (rotational direction) of the turntable 67 on the surface of the turntable 67.

The semi-finished product 19 formed at the cutting station S11 is maintained in a state of being placed on the placement surface 67s. In this state, the semi-finished product 19 can be conveyed from the cutting station S11 to the alignment processing station S12 by intermittently rotating the turntable 67.

Furthermore, the mounting surface 67s is provided with a holder 68 for preventing the semi-finished product 19 from being displaced and prevented from falling off. The holder 68 is provided at a portion corresponding to the above-described four stop positions on the placement surface 67s. Each of the four holders 68 includes two support members 69a and 69b. The two support members 69 a and 69 b are aligned to face each other along the rotation direction of the turntable 67. The two support members 69a and 69b are provided with support surfaces 69s at portions facing each other.

According to the holder 68 described above, the semi-finished product 19 formed at the cutting station S11 is positioned between the two support members 69a and 69b (that is, the two support surfaces 69s), and the placement surface 67s. Placed on. At this time, the two support members 69a and 69b (two support surfaces 69s) are arranged so as to surround the semi-finished product 19. Further, the two support members 69a and 69b (two support surfaces 69s) and the semi-finished product 19 are maintained in a positional relationship that does not contact each other. In other words, there is a gap between the two support members 69 a and 69 b (two support surfaces 69 s) and the semi-finished product 19.

In the drawing, support members 69a and 69b having a triangular support surface 69s are shown as an example. Instead, for example, support surfaces 69s of various shapes such as an arc shape and a rectangular shape are applied. Can do. Thus, the semi-finished product 19 placed on the placement surface 67s is always maintained in a state surrounded by the two support members 69a and 69b (two support surfaces 69s). As a result, the position of the semi-finished product 19 does not shift on the placement surface 67 s during transportation, or the semi-finished product 19 does not fall off the turntable 67.

"About cutting station S11"
In the cutting station S11, a supply mechanism 70 for supplying the rod-shaped workpiece 18 having the above-described honeycomb structure (see FIGS. 21 and 22) to the stop position of the turntable 67, and a support for supporting one end portion of the supplied workpiece 18 are provided. A mechanism 71 is provided. As the supply mechanism 70, for example, a conveyor belt, a vertical feeder, or the like can be applied. Here, as an example of the supply mechanism 70, a vertical feed capable of supplying the workpiece 18 by a pusher 72 is assumed.

The supply mechanism (vertical feed) 70 has a guide hole 73 into which the workpiece 18 can be inserted. The guide hole 73 extends in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 67 s of the turntable 67. The above-described support mechanism 71 is provided at a position close to the placement surface 67s. Further, the support mechanism 71 is connected to the guide hole 73.

According to such a configuration, the workpiece 18 is inserted into the guide hole 73. Subsequently, the pusher 72 is moved along the guide hole 73 in a direction approaching the support mechanism 71. At this time, the work 18 is pushed by the pusher 72 at the base end portion (the portion opposite to the tip portion). Accordingly, the workpiece 18 can be supplied toward the support mechanism 71 along the guide hole 73. Thereafter, one end portion (tip portion) of the workpiece 18 is supported by the support mechanism 71.

As the support mechanism 71, a chuck 71 is applied. The chuck 71 has the same configuration as the chucks 20a and 20b (see FIGS. 2 and 3). For example, the chuck 71 includes three claw portions (not shown). These three claw portions are configured to be operable in an open state separated from each other and a closed state close to each other. The opening / closing of the chuck 71 can be controlled by operating an actuator (not shown).

Here, the pusher 72 is moved in the direction of the chuck 71 along the guide hole 73 while the chuck 71 is opened. Corresponding to the movement distance of the pusher 72, the workpiece 18 is pushed and supplied in the direction of the chuck 71. Thereby, one end part (tip part) of the workpiece 18 can be protruded from the chuck 71. Subsequently, the chuck 71 is closed. Thus, one end portion (tip portion) of the workpiece 18 can be supported. Note that the protrusion amount (protrusion amount) of the workpiece 18 can be freely set by controlling the movement distance of the pusher 72, for example.

Furthermore, the cutting station S11 is provided with a cutting mechanism for cutting the workpiece 18. The cutting mechanism includes a rotary blade 23 as a rotary cutter, as in the above-described embodiment (see FIG. 1). The rotary blade 23 can cut the workpiece 18 by being advanced toward the workpiece 18 while rotating. The rotary blade 23 is configured, for example, by arranging a cutter, a grindstone, or the like concentrically and continuously around the rotation center 23s. The rotary blade 23 is fixed to the rotary shaft 25 of the motor 24, for example.

The rotary shaft 25 passes through the rotation center 23 s of the rotary blade 23 and is arranged in parallel along the extending direction of the workpiece 18. In this case, when the motor 24 is rotated, the rotational motion at that time is transmitted from the rotary shaft 25 to the rotary blade 23. Thereby, the rotary blade 23 can be rotated along the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the workpiece 18.

Furthermore, the motor 24 is supported by a movable base (not shown). The movable base can be reciprocated along the radial direction of the turntable 67. By operating the movable base, the rotary blade 23 can be advanced toward the workpiece 18 while the rotary blade 23 is rotated by the motor 24.

Thereby, the workpiece 18 can be cut along the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the workpiece 18. In other words, the work 18 is cut to the side by the rotary blade 23. At this time, the workpiece 18 is cut into a predetermined size with only one end portion (tip portion) supported by the chuck 71.

Note that when the workpiece 18 is cut, the positional relationship between the rotary blade 23 and the workpiece 18 is set so as to satisfy the first and second conditions (see FIG. 4) at the same time. Thereby, the stress (stress) which arises in the workpiece | work 18 can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce or prevent the occurrence of a situation where the workpiece 18 is chipped or broken during cutting.

Furthermore, as described above, the holder 68 and the semi-finished product 19 are in a positional relationship where they do not come into contact with each other, and there is a gap between them. For this reason, at the time of cutting, the end portion of the workpiece 18 (the portion opposite to the portion supported by the chuck 71) does not come into contact with the holder 68. Thereby, the workpiece | work 18 is maintained in the state in which only the one end part (tip part) was supported. In this state, when the rotary blade 23 and the workpiece 18 come into contact with each other, the stress generated in the workpiece 18 is easily escaped. As a result, it is possible to reduce or prevent the occurrence of a situation where the workpiece 18 is chipped or broken during cutting.

Furthermore, an air blow mechanism 74 for injecting gas (compressed air) toward the workpiece 18 being cut is provided in the cutting station S11. The air blow mechanism 74 includes an injection nozzle 76 that injects compressed air supplied from the pump 75.

Here, the air blow mechanism 74 is provided in the pusher 72 described above. The pusher 72 has a through-hole formed through the pusher 72. The through hole extends toward the base end portion of the workpiece 18 inserted into the guide hole 73 described above. In the present embodiment, the through hole (pusher 72) is used as the injection nozzle 76. As described above, the workpiece 18 has a honeycomb structure (see FIGS. 21 and 22). That is, the slit 61, the center hole 63, and the air passage 64 are continuous along the work 18 and open at both ends of the work 18.

Therefore, the compressed air supplied from the pump 75 is injected from the injection nozzle 76 toward the base end portion of the workpiece 18. At this time, the compressed air injected from the injection nozzle 76 reaches the tip portion from the guide hole 73 and the base end portion of the work 18 through the honeycomb structure (hollow structure), and then from the tip portion of the work 18. Erupts. Thereby, for example, chips and chips generated at the time of cutting can be removed. As a result, the occurrence of a situation such as clogging of the honeycomb structure can be prevented. Thus, a semi-finished product 19 (see FIGS. 21 and 22) in which the inside and the outside of the honeycomb structure are cleaned can be formed. The formed semi-finished product 19 matches the contour (size) of the heat source 52. In addition to the cutting station S11, the air blow mechanism 74 may be provided, for example, in the first intermediate processing station S13.

In the cutting station S11, the semi-finished product 19 cut off from the workpiece 18 is placed on the placement surface 67s of the turntable 67 in a state surrounded by the two support members 69a and 69b (two support surfaces 69s). . When the turntable 67 is rotated in this state, the semi-finished product 19 is conveyed following the rotation of the turntable 67. That is, the semi-finished product 19 is transported from the cutting station S11 to the alignment processing station S12 via the first intermediate processing station S13.

Note that it is assumed that the semi-finished product 19 cut off from both ends of the workpiece 18 is deformed. In this case, for example, the deformed semi-finished product 19 may be discharged by providing a discharge mechanism in the first intermediate processing station S13. Thereby, the precision of the heat source 52 which is a finished product can be maintained constant.

"About the alignment processing station S12"
The alignment processing station S12 is provided with an alignment mechanism 77 for accommodating the plurality of semi-finished products 19 in the harmony tray 66 and aligning them. The alignment mechanism 77 is provided with, for example, a chuck 78, a support arm 79, a turning arm 80, and a rotation base 81.

The harmony tray 66 is provided with a plurality of accommodating portions 66p at equal intervals in the vertical and horizontal directions. All the accommodating portions 66p are open toward the front surface side of the harmony tray 66 and are closed toward the rear surface side of the harmony tray 66. In this case, the semi-finished products 19 can be inserted and accommodated one by one from the surface side of the harmony tray 66 into each accommodating portion 66p. In addition, in the state which accommodated the some semi-finished product 19 in the harmony tray 66, each semi-finished product 19 aligns at equal intervals in the vertical / horizontal direction.

Furthermore, the accommodating part 66p has a shape along the outline of the semi-finished product 19. Thereby, in the state which accommodated the semi-finished product 19 in the accommodating part 66p, for example, the semi-finished product 19 does not incline or fall down. As a result, the plurality of semi-finished products 19 accommodated in the harmony tray 66 are all held in a fixed posture along a fixed direction.

The rotation base 81 is connected to a drive mechanism (not shown). By operating the drive mechanism, the rotation speed and rotation direction of the rotation base 81 can be controlled. For example, the rotation directions R1 and R2 of the rotation base 81 can be reversed in synchronization with the rotation of the turntable 67 described above.

The turning arm 80 is supported by the rotating base 81 and is connected to a traction mechanism (not shown). A base end of the swivel arm 80 is connected to the rotation base 81 via a hinge 82. By rotating the rotation base 81, the turning arm 80 can be rotated together with the rotation base 81. Furthermore, by operating the pulling mechanism, the tip of the swing arm 80 can be raised and lowered with the hinge 82 as a fulcrum.

The support arm 79 is supported by the turning arm 80 and is connected to a traction mechanism (not shown). The base end of the support arm 79 is connected to the tip of the turning arm 80 via a hinge 83. The support arm 79 can be rotated together with the turning arm 80 by rotating the turning arm 80. Furthermore, by operating the pulling mechanism, the tip of the support arm 79 can be raised and lowered with the hinge 83 as a fulcrum.

The chuck 78 is supported at the tip of the support arm 79 and is connected to an actuator (not shown). By moving the tip of the support arm 79 up and down, the chuck 78 can be moved up and down together with the support arm 79. Opening and closing of the chuck 78 can be controlled by operating the actuator.

As the configuration of the chuck 78, for example, the configuration of the chucks 20a and 20b described above can be used as it is. That is, the chuck 78 has three claw portions. In the open state of the chuck 78 in which the three claw portions are separated from each other, the semi-finished product 19 can be smoothly inserted into the chuck 78. On the other hand, in the closed state of the chuck 78 in which the three claw portions approach each other, the semi-finished product 19 inserted into the chuck 78 is sandwiched between the claw portions. As a result, the semi-finished product 19 can be supported by the chuck 78 (see FIG. 3).

In this case, the chuck 78 is rotatably supported at the tip of the support arm 79 via the hinge 84. For this reason, the chuck 78 is always maintained in a constant posture during the operation of the support arm 79.

For example, when picking up the semi-finished product 19 conveyed to the alignment processing station S12, the chuck 78 is always maintained in a posture such that the three claw portions are opposed to the semi-finished product 19. Further, for example, when the picked-up semi-finished product 19 is accommodated in the harmony tray 66, the chuck 78 is maintained in a posture such that the three claw portions that support the semi-finished product 19 always face the surface of the harmony tray 66.

According to such an alignment mechanism 77, when the semi-finished product 19 is conveyed to the alignment processing station S12, the rotation base 81 is rotated in the R1 direction, and the turning arm 80 and the support arm 79 are moved up and down. Accordingly, the chuck 78 can be positioned right above the semi-finished product 19 and the semi-finished product 19 can be inserted into the chuck 78. At this time, the semi-finished product 19 can be supported by the chuck 78 by controlling the chuck 78 to the closed state.

Next, the rotary base 81 is rotated in the R2 direction, and the turning arm 80 and the support arm 79 are moved up and down. Thereby, the chuck 78 supporting the semi-finished product 19 can be positioned on the surface of the harmony tray 66, and the semi-finished product 19 can be inserted into the accommodating portion 66p. Thus, the semi-finished product 19 can be accommodated in the harmony tray 66.

During this time, the turntable 67 rotates, so that the semi-finished product 19 is conveyed to the alignment processing station S12. In synchronization with this, the rotation base 81 is rotated in the R1 direction, and the turning arm 80 and the support arm 79 are moved up and down. Thereby, the semi-finished product 19 can be supported by the chuck 78. Next, the rotation base 81 is rotated in the R2 direction, and the turning arm 80 and the support arm 79 are moved up and down. Thereby, the semi-finished product 19 can be inserted in the accommodating part 66p. By repeating such a process, a plurality of semi-finished products 19 can be accommodated in the conditioning tray 66 and aligned.

“Effects of other embodiments”
According to the present embodiment, by supporting only one end portion of the workpiece 18 in the cutting station S11 described above, when pressure is applied to the workpiece 18 at the time of cutting, the stress generated in the workpiece 18 easily escapes. A structure can be realized. That is, as described above, the holder 68 and the semi-finished product 19 are in a positional relationship where they do not come into contact with each other, and there is a gap between them. For this reason, at the time of cutting, the end portion of the workpiece 18 (the portion opposite to the portion supported by the chuck 71) does not come into contact with the holder 68.

Thereby, the workpiece 18 is maintained in a state where only one end portion thereof is supported. As a result, the workpiece 18 is always maintained in a state in which stress easily escapes from the start of cutting to the end of cutting. Therefore, it is possible to reduce or prevent the occurrence of a situation where the workpiece 18 is chipped or damaged.

According to this embodiment, the stress generated in the workpiece 18 can be reduced by cutting the workpiece 18 so that the first and second conditions described above are simultaneously satisfied in the cutting station S11. Thereby, even if the workpiece 18 is in a dry and relatively fragile state, the workpiece 18 can be cut without being chipped or damaged. In this case, it is possible to form a semi-finished product 19 having a preset contour. As a result, the accuracy and yield of the heat source 7 that is a finished product can be maintained constant.

According to the present embodiment, the relative speed between the workpiece 18 and the rotary blade 23 can be increased by simultaneously satisfying the first and second conditions described above. As a result, the moving speed of the rotary blade 23 when cutting the workpiece 18 while maintaining the cutting quality of the workpiece 18, that is, the cutting speed can be improved. For example, it is preferable to set the moving speed (cutting speed) of the rotary blade 23 to 14.4 to 18.0 mm / s and the rotary speed of the rotary blade 23 to 110 to 125 m / s. According to the present embodiment, the pusher 72 for supplying the work 18 can be used as the injection nozzle 76 of the air blow mechanism 74. Thereby, compressed air can be injected to the said workpiece | work 18, moving the workpiece | work 18. FIG. As a result, it is possible to efficiently move and clean the workpiece 18 simultaneously with a simple structure without separately providing the injection nozzle 76.

7,52 Heat source 17,65 Conveying mechanism 17a First turntable 17b Second turntable 18 Work piece 19 Semi-finished product 20a, 20b, 71 Support mechanism 23 Rotary blade 67 Turntable S1, S11 Cutting station S2-S14 Processing station

Claims (7)

1. An apparatus for producing a heat source used for smoking articles,
   A cutting station for forming a semi-finished product of a preset size by cutting a workpiece formed to constitute the heat source;
   By performing various processes on the semi-finished product, a processing station for manufacturing the heat source;
   A transport mechanism for transporting the semi-finished product formed at the cutting station to the processing station,
   The transport mechanism is provided with a support mechanism that supports only one end portion of the workpiece,
   The said cutting station WHEREIN: The said workpiece | work is a manufacturing apparatus of the heat source for smoking articles cut | disconnected in the state in which only the one end part was supported by the said support mechanism.
2. In the cutting station, a rotary cutter for cutting the workpiece is provided,
   The rotary cutter includes a rotary blade that cuts the workpiece by being advanced toward the workpiece while being rotated,
   At the time of cutting the workpiece, the workpiece is decentered from the rotation center of the rotary blade with respect to the moving direction of the rotary blade, and the rotary blade is in contact with the moving direction of the rotary blade and the workpiece. The apparatus for manufacturing a heat source for a smoking article according to claim 1, wherein a positional relationship between the rotary blade and the workpiece is set so that the rotation direction is positioned at a position substantially opposite to the rotation direction.
3. The apparatus for producing a heat source for a smoking article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a blow mechanism for injecting a gas toward the workpiece being cut is provided in the cutting station.
4. The workpiece has a hollow structure penetrating over both ends thereof,
   The said blow mechanism is a manufacturing apparatus of the heat source for smoking articles of Claim 3 which injects gas along the hollow structure of the said workpiece | work.
5. The cutting station is provided with the support mechanism that supports only one end portion of the work, and a pusher that pushes and feeds the work toward the support mechanism,
   The apparatus for producing a heat source for a smoking article according to claim 4, wherein the blow mechanism is provided in the pusher.
6. The transport mechanism includes first and second turntables that can be rotated intermittently, and the support mechanism is spaced along the periphery of the first and second turntables. Provided,
   When the first and second turntables are intermittently rotated, the cutting station and the processing station are disposed at the stop position of the support mechanism, and the first turntable and the first turntable are arranged. A delivery processing station for delivering the semi-finished product by a reversing mechanism for delivering the semi-finished product between the two turntables;
   The semi-finished product supported by the support mechanism of the first turntable is supported by the support mechanism of the second turntable in a state where both ends of the semi-finished product are reversed by the reversing mechanism. The apparatus for producing a heat source for a smoking article according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
7. The apparatus for manufacturing a heat source for a smoking article according to claim 6, wherein the reversing mechanism includes the support mechanism in the delivery processing station.

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