WO2023227348A1 - Segments de détection pour articles de génération d'aérosol ayant deux capteurs consécutifs - Google Patents

Segments de détection pour articles de génération d'aérosol ayant deux capteurs consécutifs Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023227348A1
WO2023227348A1 PCT/EP2023/061890 EP2023061890W WO2023227348A1 WO 2023227348 A1 WO2023227348 A1 WO 2023227348A1 EP 2023061890 W EP2023061890 W EP 2023061890W WO 2023227348 A1 WO2023227348 A1 WO 2023227348A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
segments
measurement
arrangement
susceptor
aerosol
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2023/061890
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Luca NATALI
Nicola MICHELI
Michele CICIONI
Original Assignee
Philip Morris Products S.A.
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Philip Morris Products S.A. filed Critical Philip Morris Products S.A.
Publication of WO2023227348A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023227348A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24C—MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARS OR CIGARETTES
    • A24C5/00—Making cigarettes; Making tipping materials for, or attaching filters or mouthpieces to, cigars or cigarettes
    • A24C5/32—Separating, ordering, counting or examining cigarettes; Regulating the feeding of tobacco according to rod or cigarette condition
    • A24C5/34—Examining cigarettes or the rod, e.g. for regulating the feeding of tobacco; Removing defective cigarettes
    • A24C5/3412—Examining cigarettes or the rod, e.g. for regulating the feeding of tobacco; Removing defective cigarettes by means of light, radiation or electrostatic fields
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24C—MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARS OR CIGARETTES
    • A24C5/00—Making cigarettes; Making tipping materials for, or attaching filters or mouthpieces to, cigars or cigarettes
    • A24C5/01—Making cigarettes for simulated smoking devices

Definitions

  • the invention relates to providing quality control of an arrangement of segments for aerosolgenerating articles.
  • WO 2021/121790 A1 discloses a method for optical analysis of a component of an aerosolgenerating article.
  • the component is rod-shaped and defines a first and a second end, one opposite to the other.
  • the component includes an aerosol-forming substrate and a susceptor inserted within the aerosol-forming substrate.
  • a first image of the first end of the component is generated by a first polarized camera to detect in the first image a position of the susceptor.
  • a second image of the first end of the component is generated by a second polarized camera. Polarization information contained in the first image is combined with polarization information contained in the second image to obtain a single combined image of the first end of the component.
  • a third image of the second end of the component is generated by a third polarized camera to detect in the third image a position of the susceptor.
  • an X-ray sensor is provided to irradiate the component between the first end and the second end.
  • individual segments such as rod-shaped segments
  • individual segments may be positioned with respect to each other to form arrangements of segments.
  • One or more of these needs may at least in part be satisfied by the present invention.
  • a method for conducting a quality control of an arrangement of segments for aerosol-generating articles comprises at least two segments arranged consecutively along a longitudinal axis. Each segment extends along the longitudinal axis between two opposing longitudinal ends of the segment.
  • the at least two segments comprise at least one aerosol-generating segment.
  • the at least one aerosol-generating segment comprises an aerosol-generating material and a susceptor.
  • the susceptor comprises a metallic material for heating the aerosol-generating material.
  • the method comprises carrying out a first measurement comprising detecting the susceptor by magnetic interaction with the metallic material of the susceptor.
  • the method further comprises carrying out a second measurement comprising optically detecting at least one longitudinal end of at least one of the segments.
  • the first measurement may detect the susceptor with high reliability.
  • the first measurement may detect the metallic material of the susceptor substantially irrespective of the appearance and the light transmission properties of the segments.
  • the magnetic measurement may allow detecting the susceptor and, thus, the aerosol-generating segment, even in cases where the aerosol-generating segment and an adjacent segment without a susceptor are not visibly distinct.
  • the second measurement may rely on different optical properties of different segments of the arrangement of segments to detect the at least one longitudinal end of the at least one of the segments.
  • the second measurement may allow distinguishing between two or more segments that do not comprises the susceptor.
  • the second measurement may be particularly efficient in detecting a longitudinal end of a segment that does not directly abut another longitudinal end of one of the segments.
  • the second measurement may comprise detecting a longitudinal end of a segment that directly abuts a longitudinal end of another segment, in particular by utilizing different optical properties of the segments.
  • first measurement and the second measurement rely on different measurement principles, a broad range of information on the arrangement of segments may be obtained by carrying out both measurements. Combining the first magnetic measurement and the second optical measurement may allow obtaining accurate information on different kinds of segments or interfaces between segments.
  • the susceptor may extend in parallel to the longitudinal axis.
  • the susceptor may extend along an entire length of the aerosol-generating segment along the longitudinal axis.
  • the susceptor may be embedded in the aerosol-generating material of the aerosol-generating segment.
  • the aerosol-generating material may fully surround the susceptor with respect to a circumferential direction of the susceptor.
  • the susceptor may extend along the longitudinal axis from a first end of the susceptor to a second end of the susceptor. Along the longitudinal axis, the first end of the susceptor and the second end of the susceptor may coincide with the two opposing longitudinal ends of the aerosol-generating segment, respectively.
  • the position of the susceptor along the longitudinal axis may be detected as an absolute position along the longitudinal axis at the time of the first measurement, for example with respect to a specific reference point along the longitudinal axis.
  • the position of the susceptor along the longitudinal axis may be determined as a relative position along the longitudinal axis, for example relative to a specific feature of the arrangement of segments.
  • the second measurement may comprise detecting a position of the at least one longitudinal end along the longitudinal axis.
  • the position of the at least one longitudinal end along the longitudinal axis may be detected as an absolute position along the longitudinal axis at the time of the second measurement, for example with respect to a specific reference point along the longitudinal axis.
  • the position of the at least one longitudinal end along the longitudinal axis may be detected as a relative position along the longitudinal axis, for example relative to a specific feature of the arrangement of segments.
  • the position of the at least one longitudinal end along the longitudinal axis may be detected with respect to the position of another longitudinal end of one of the segments.
  • the at least one longitudinal end detected in the second measurement may be a longitudinal end of a segment different from the at least one aerosol-generating segment.
  • the at least one longitudinal end detected in the second measurement may be a longitudinal end of a segment without a susceptor.
  • the at least two segments may comprise at least one segment without a susceptor.
  • the at least two segments may comprise at least one segment without metallic material.
  • the at least two segments may comprise at least one of a filter segment, or a segment with a hollow acetate tube, or a mouthpiece segment.
  • One or more of the filter segment, the segment with a hollow acetate tube, or the mouthpiece segment may be metal-free.
  • the filter segment may comprise a filter for filtering aerosol released by the aerosol-generating material.
  • the hollow acetate tube may be configured to provide a path through which aerosol generated by the aerosolgenerating segment may flow. The aerosol may cool down while flowing through the hollow acetate tube.
  • the mouthpiece segment may be configured to form a mouthpiece of an aerosolgenerating article to be engaged by the mouth of a user.
  • the at least two segments may be fixed relative to each other.
  • the at least two segments may be provided in an end-to-end arrangement along the longitudinal axis. Consecutive segments of the at least two segments may abut each other. A spacing along the longitudinal axis between consecutive segments may be smaller than 10 millimeters, or smaller than 5 millimeters, or smaller than 3 millimeters, or smaller than 1 millimeter, or smaller than 0.5 millimeter.
  • the arrangement of segments may further comprise a wrapper wrapped around the at least two segments.
  • the wrapper may fix the at least two segments with respect to each other.
  • the wrapper may be wrapped around the at least two segments along a circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis.
  • the wrapper may comprise a paper material, for example.
  • the wrapper may define an outer appearance of the arrangement of segments.
  • the wrapper may have the same color along its entire surface.
  • the wrapper may be wrapped around the at least two segments along the entire length of the arrangement of segments.
  • the wrapper is translucent.
  • Optically detecting the at least one longitudinal end of the at least one of the segments in the second measurement may comprise optically detecting at least two longitudinal ends of the segments, or detecting more than two longitudinal ends of the segments.
  • the second measurement may comprise detecting the at least one longitudinal end by an optical transmission measurement.
  • An optical transmission measurement may allow distinguishing neighboring segments based on different optical transmittances of the segments. Different optical transmittances of the segments may result from different compositions of the segments.
  • the second measurement may comprise emitting light from a light source such that the light travels through the arrangement of segments, and detecting an intensity of the light that exits the arrangement of segments on the opposing side with an optical detector.
  • the light source and the optical detector may be provided on opposing sides of the arrangement of segments.
  • the arrangement of segments may be provided between the light source and the optical detector.
  • the light source, the arrangement of segments, and the optical detector may be arranged one after the other along a direction that is at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
  • the light may traverse the arrangement of segments along a direction that is at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
  • the second measurement may comprise obtaining a picture of the arrangement of segments.
  • the picture may be comprised in a video.
  • the method may comprise analyzing the picture to detect interfaces between adjacent segments.
  • the method may comprise analyzing the picture to detect a length or a position of at least one of the segments.
  • Analyzing the picture may comprise analyzing light intensities in different regions of the picture.
  • Analyzing the picture may comprise analyzing a light intensity distribution along the longitudinal axis.
  • the second measurement may comprise detecting an interface of adjacent segments.
  • An interface of adjacent segments may be determined as a position along the longitudinal axis where a transmittance of the arrangement of segments changes.
  • the first measurement may comprise detecting an electric current in an electric coil.
  • the electric current may be indicative of a metallic material in a measurement region.
  • the metallic material may be the metallic material of the susceptor.
  • the electric coil may be part of a metal detector.
  • a winding direction of the electric coil may be around the longitudinal axis.
  • a winding direction of the electric coil may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
  • the electric coil may be a detector coil.
  • the first measurement may comprise inducing electric currents in the susceptor by magnetic interaction with the susceptor.
  • the electric currents may be induced in the susceptor by subjecting the susceptor to an electromagnetic field.
  • the electromagnetic field may be generated by an electric coil, in particular an excitation coil.
  • the method may further comprise conveying the arrangement of segments.
  • One or both of the first measurement and the second measurement may be carried out while the arrangement of segments is conveyed.
  • One or both of the first measurement and the second measurement may be carried out in-line during a running production process involving the arrangement of segments.
  • the arrangement of segments may be conveyed along a transport path. At least a section of the transport path may be parallel to the longitudinal axis.
  • a first measurement station configured for carrying out the first measurement may be provided along the transport path.
  • a second measurement station configured for carrying out the second measurement may be provided along the transport path.
  • the second measurement station may be provided downstream of the first measurement station with respect to the transport path.
  • One or both of the first measurement station and the second measurement station may be stationary.
  • the arrangement of segments may be conveyed through the first measurement station in parallel to the axial direction.
  • the method may further comprise separating the arrangement of segments from at least a further arrangement of segments between the first measurement and the second measurement. If the arrangement of segments is separated from the further arrangement of segments before the second measurement, the second measurement may detect defects resulting from the separation step. For example, the second measurement may be configured to determine whether the arrangement of segments has been separated from the further arrangement of segments at the correct position or whether the arrangement of segments has the correct length after the separation step.
  • the method may comprise evaluating data from the first measurement to determine the length of at least one individual segment of the arrangement of segments.
  • the method may comprise evaluating data from the second measurement to determine the length of at least one individual segment of the arrangement of segments.
  • the method may comprise evaluating data from the first measurement and data from the second measurement to determine the length of at least one individual segment of the arrangement of segments.
  • the method may comprise evaluating data from the first measurement and data from the second measurement to determine lengths of the individual segments of the arrangement of segments.
  • the data from the first measurement and the data from the second measurement may be combined to determine the length of one or more individual segments of the arrangement of segments.
  • a system for conducting a quality control of an arrangement of segments for aerosol-generating articles comprising at least two segments.
  • the at least two segments are arranged consecutively along a longitudinal axis. Each segment extends along the longitudinal axis between two opposing longitudinal ends of the segment.
  • the at least two segments comprise at least one aerosol-generating segment.
  • the at least one aerosol-generating segment comprises an aerosol-generating material and a susceptor.
  • the susceptor comprises a metallic material for heating the aerosol-generating material.
  • the system comprises a first measurement station, a second measurement station, and a conveying system.
  • the first measurement station comprises a magnetic detector configured to detect the susceptor by magnetic interaction with the metallic material of the susceptor.
  • the second measurement station comprises an optical detector configured to optically detect at least one longitudinal end of at least one of the segments.
  • the conveying system is configured to convey the arrangement of segments along a transport path through the first measurement station and the second measurement station.
  • At least a section of the transport path is parallel to the longitudinal axis.
  • the transport path is parallel to the longitudinal axis at the first measurement station.
  • the second measurement station is downstream of the first measurement station with respect to the transport path.
  • the magnetic detector may comprise at least one detection coil.
  • the magnetic detector may comprise a measurement device for measuring a current flowing through the detection coil.
  • the magnetic detector may comprise an excitation coil configured to induce electrical currents in the susceptor.
  • the magnetic detector may be configured to detect a position of the susceptor along the longitudinal axis.
  • the magnetic detector may be configured to detect a position of the susceptor in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
  • the magnetic detector may be configured to detect a displacement of the susceptor from a target susceptor orientation.
  • the target susceptor orientation may correspond to the susceptor extending in parallel to the longitudinal axis.
  • the magnetic detector may be configured to detect a deviation of the susceptor from a target radial susceptor position.
  • the target radial susceptor position may correspond to the susceptor being centrally positioned in the aerosol-generating segment.
  • the at least one detection coil may comprise two or more detection coils, in particular four detection coils.
  • the detection coils may be arranged such that their respective winding axes extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
  • the detection coils may be arranged circumferentially around the transport path at 90 degrees intervals.
  • the measurement device may be configured to separately detect the currents flowing through the individual detection coils.
  • the optical detector may be configured to detect a position of the at least one longitudinal end along the longitudinal axis.
  • the optical detector may be configured to detect an interface of adjacent segments.
  • the optical detector may comprise a light source.
  • the optical detector may comprise a light detector.
  • the light source and the light detector may be arranged on opposing sides of the transport path.
  • the light source may be optional, and natural light may instead be used, for example.
  • the light detector may comprise a camera.
  • the camera may be a monochromatic camera.
  • the camera may be color sensitive camera.
  • the light detector may be configured to record a light intensity in a detection region.
  • the light detector may be configured to record a light intensity distribution along the axial direction.
  • the system may further comprise a cutting station.
  • the cutting station may be configured to separate the arrangement of segments from at least a further arrangement of segments.
  • the arrangement of segments and the further arrangement of segments may be of the same or similar configuration.
  • the cutting station may be arranged between the first measurement station and the second measurement station with respect to the transport path.
  • the system may further comprise a computing device.
  • the computing device may be configured to determine lengths of the individual segments of the arrangement of segments by combining measurement data from the first measurement station with measurement data from the second measurement station.
  • a magnetic detector for determining at least one of the position and length of an aerosol-generating segment in an arrangement of segments for aerosol-generating articles.
  • the arrangement of segments comprises at least two segments consecutively arranged along a longitudinal axis.
  • the aerosol-generating segment may comprise an aerosol-generating material and a susceptor comprising a metallic material for heating the aerosol-generating material.
  • the measurement data from the magnetic detector may be combined with measurement data from an optical detector optically detecting at least one longitudinal end of at least one of the segments.
  • Optically detecting the at least one longitudinal end may comprise detecting a position of the at least one longitudinal end along the longitudinal axis. Optically detecting the at least one longitudinal end may comprise detecting an interface of adjacent segments.
  • the arrangement of segments may be separated from at least a further arrangement of segments between the magnetic detector and the optical detector.
  • Measurement data from the magnetic detector and measurement data from the optical detector are evaluated to determine lengths of the individual segments of the arrangement of segments.
  • the invention provides a method for conducting quality control of an arrangement of segments, a system for conducting quality control of an arrangement of segments, and a use of a magnetic detector.
  • the system may be designed, adapted, or configured to carry out the method or the use.
  • the method or the use may be carried out using the system.
  • the method may comprise the use.
  • the use may comprise the method.
  • the arrangement of segments may comprise at least two segments, or at least three segments, or at least four segments, or at least five segments, or at least six segments, or at least seven segments.
  • the arrangement of segments may comprise at least one aerosol-generating segment.
  • the arrangement of segments may comprise two aerosol-generating segments.
  • the aerosol-generating material of the aerosol-generating segment may comprise tobacco material, such as cut filler material or reconstituted tobacco material, for example.
  • the aerosolgenerating material may comprise one or more additives, in particular aerosol-generating additives. Upon being heated, the aerosol-generating material may release aerosol for consumption by a user.
  • the arrangement of segments may be configured for use in aerosol-generating articles that function according to the heat-not-burn principle.
  • the aerosol-generating article may be inserted into an aerosol-generating device to be heated to provide aerosol for consumption by a user.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise a heater configured to heat the susceptor.
  • the heater may be configured to generate a magnetic field to induce currents in the susceptor to heat the susceptor.
  • the heater may comprise a heater coil. Heat from the susceptor may be transferred to the aerosol-generating material around the susceptor to release the aerosol for consumption.
  • a length of the individual segments may be between 5 millimeters and 100 millimeters, or between 10 millimeters and 50 millimeters, or between 10 millimeters and 40 millimeters, for example.
  • the segments of the arrangement of segments may comprise segments of at least two different lengths.
  • the segments may be cylindrical segments.
  • the invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.
  • Example Ex1 Method for conducting a quality control of an arrangement of segments for aerosol-generating articles, wherein the arrangement of segments comprises at least two segments arranged consecutively along a longitudinal axis, wherein each segment extends along the longitudinal axis between two opposing longitudinal ends of the segment; wherein the at least two segments comprise at least one aerosol-generating segment; wherein the at least one aerosol-generating segment comprises an aerosol-generating material and a susceptor; wherein the susceptor comprises a metallic material for heating the aerosol-generating material; and wherein the method comprises carrying out a first measurement comprising detecting the susceptor by magnetic interaction with the metallic material of the susceptor; and carrying out a second measurement comprising optically detecting at least one longitudinal end of at least one of the segments.
  • Example Ex2 Method according to Example Ex1 , wherein the first measurement comprises detecting a position of the susceptor along the longitudinal axis.
  • Example Ex3 Method according to Example Ex1 or Ex2, wherein the second measurement comprises detecting a position of the at least one longitudinal end along the longitudinal axis.
  • Example Ex4 Method according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex3, wherein the at least one longitudinal end detected in the second measurement is a longitudinal end of a segment different from the at least one aerosol-generating segment.
  • Example Ex5 Method according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex4, wherein the at least two segments comprise at least one segment without a susceptor.
  • Example Ex6 Method according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex5, wherein the at least two segments comprise at least one of: a filter segment, or a segment with a hollow acetate tube, or a mouthpiece segment.
  • Example Ex7 Method according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex6, wherein the at least two segments are fixed relative to each other.
  • Example Ex8 Method according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex7, wherein the arrangement of segments further comprises a wrapper wrapped around the at least two segments.
  • Example Ex9 Method according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex8, wherein the second measurement comprises detecting the at least one longitudinal end by an optical transmission measurement.
  • Example Ex10 Method according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex9, wherein the second measurement comprises obtaining an image of the arrangement of segments.
  • Example Ex11 Method according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex10, wherein the second measurement comprises detecting an interface of adjacent segments.
  • Example Ex12 Method according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex11 , wherein the first measurement comprises detecting an electric current in an electric coil.
  • Example Ex13 Method according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex12, wherein the first measurement comprises inducing electrical currents in the susceptor by magnetic interaction with the susceptor.
  • Example Ex14 Method according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex13, further comprising conveying the arrangement of segments, wherein one or both of the first measurement and the second measurement are carried out while the arrangement of segments is conveyed.
  • Example Ex15 Method according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex14, further comprising separating the arrangement of segments from at least a further arrangement of segments between the first measurement and the second measurement.
  • Example Ex16 Method according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex15, further comprising evaluating data from the first measurement and data from the second measurement to determine lengths of the individual segments of the arrangement of segments.
  • Example Ex17 System for conducting a quality control of an arrangement of segments for aerosol-generating articles, wherein the arrangement of segments comprises at least two segments arranged consecutively along a longitudinal axis, wherein each segment extends along the longitudinal axis between two opposing longitudinal ends of the segment; wherein the at least two segments comprise at least one aerosol-generating segment; wherein the at least one aerosol-generating segment comprises an aerosol-generating material and a susceptor; wherein the susceptor comprises a metallic material for heating the aerosol-generating material; and wherein the system comprises a first measurement station comprising a magnetic detector configured to detect the susceptor by magnetic interaction with the metallic material of the susceptor; a second measurement station comprising an optical detector configured to optically detect at least one longitudinal end of at least one of the segments; and a conveying system configured to convey the arrangement of segments along a transport path through the first measurement station and the second measurement station.
  • the arrangement of segments comprises at least two segments arranged consecutively along a longitudinal axis, wherein each segment extends along the
  • Example Ex18 System according to Example Ex17, wherein the magnetic detector comprises at least one detection coil and a measurement device for measuring a current flowing through the detection coil.
  • Example Ex19 System according to Example Ex17 or Ex18, wherein the magnetic detector comprises an excitation coil configured to induce electrical currents in the susceptor.
  • Example Ex20 System according to any one of Examples Ex17 to Ex19, wherein the magnetic detector is configured to detect a position of the susceptor along the longitudinal axis.
  • Example Ex21 System according to any one of Examples Ex17 to Ex20, wherein the magnetic detector is configured to detect a position of the susceptor in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
  • Example Ex22 System according to any one of Examples Ex17 to Ex21 , wherein the optical detector is configured to detect a position of the at least one longitudinal end along the longitudinal axis.
  • Example Ex23 System according to any one of Examples Ex17 to Ex22, wherein the optical detector is configured to detect an interface of adjacent segments.
  • Example Ex24 System according to any one of Examples Ex17 to Ex23, wherein the optical detector comprises a light source and a light detector, the light source and the light detector being arranged on opposing sides of the transport path.
  • Example Ex25 System according to Example Ex24, wherein the light detector comprises a camera.
  • Example Ex26 System according to any one of Examples Ex17 to Ex25, further comprising a cutting station arranged between the first measurement station and the second measurement station, the cutting station being configured to separate the arrangement of segments from at least a further arrangement of segments.
  • Example Ex27 System according to any one of Examples Ex17 to Ex26, further comprising a computing device configured to determine lengths of the individual segments of the arrangement of segments by combining measurement data from the first measurement station with measurement data from the second measurement station.
  • Example Ex28 Use of a magnetic detector for determining at least one of the position and length of an aerosol-generating segment in an arrangement of segments for aerosol-generating articles, wherein the arrangement of segments comprises at least two segments consecutively arranged along a longitudinal axis.
  • Example Ex29 Use according to Example Ex28, wherein the aerosol-generating segment comprises an aerosol-generating material and a susceptor comprising a metallic material for heating the aerosol-generating material.
  • Example Ex30 Use according to Example Ex28 or Ex29, wherein measurement data from the magnetic detector are combined with measurement data from an optical detector optically detecting at least one longitudinal end of at least one of the segments.
  • Example Ex31 Use according to any one of Examples Ex28 to Ex30, wherein optically detecting the at least one longitudinal end comprises detecting a position of the at least one longitudinal end along the longitudinal axis.
  • Example Ex32 Use according to any one of Examples Ex28 to Ex31 , wherein optically detecting the at least one longitudinal end comprises detecting an interface of adjacent segments.
  • Example Ex33 Use according to any one of Examples Ex28 to Ex32, wherein the arrangement of segments is separated from at least a further arrangement of segments between the magnetic detector and the optical detector.
  • Example Ex34 Use according to any one of Examples Ex28 to Ex33, wherein measurement data from the magnetic detector and measurement data from the optical detector are evaluated to determine lengths of the individual segments of the arrangement of segments.
  • Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a system for conducting a quality control of an arrangement of segments according to an embodiment
  • Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement of segments according to an embodiment as present downstream of the cutting station in Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a combination of two arrangements of segments according to an embodiment as present upstream of the cutting station in Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the first measurement station according to an embodiment
  • Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the first measurement station according to another embodiment
  • Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of the second measurement station according to an embodiment.
  • Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a system 1 for conducting a quality control of an arrangement 3 of segments for aerosol-generating articles. Arrangements 3 of segments are conveyed along a transport path by a conveying system 5. In Fig. 1 , the arrangements 3 of segments are conveyed essentially from left to right.
  • the arrangements 3 of segments are provided in the form of combinations 7 of arrangements 3.
  • the combinations 7 each comprise two arrangements 3 of segments.
  • the system 1 comprises a cutting station 9, at which the combinations 7 of arrangements 3 are separated into individual arrangements 3 of segments.
  • the arrangements 3 of segments are provided in the form of individual arrangements 3 of segments.
  • the conveying system 5 comprises a linear conveyor 11 conveying the arrangements 3 of segments from left to right in Fig. 1 through the cutting station 9 along a transport direction 13.
  • Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of an arrangement 3 of segments as present in the system 1 downstream of the cutting station 9, with the sectional plane being parallel to the transport direction 13.
  • the arrangement 3 of segments comprises a plurality of cylindrical segments arranged consecutively along an axial direction 15.
  • the axial direction 15 is oriented parallel to the transport direction 13 when the arrangement 3 of segments is conveyed along the transport direction 13.
  • the arrangement 3 of segments comprises two aerosolgenerating segments 17.
  • the aerosol-generating segments 17 each comprise a susceptor 19 and a sleeve of aerosol-generating material 21 cylindrically surrounding the susceptor 19.
  • the susceptor 19 comprises metallic material and is configured to be heated to heat the aerosolgenerating material 21 to release aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 21.
  • the arrangement 3 of segments further comprises two front plug segments 23 provided at the opposing ends of the arrangement 3 of segments. Further, the arrangement 3 of segments comprises two segments 25 comprising a hollow acetate tube 27, and a further segment 29 comprising a thinner hollow acetate tube 31.
  • the hollow acetate tube 27 and the thinner hollow acetate tube 31 may provide channels through which aerosol released by the aerosol-generating material 21 may be guided before reaching the mouth of a user to allow the aerosol to cool down to a certain extent.
  • the arrangement 3 of segments further comprises a wrapper 33 wrapped around all the segments of the arrangement 3 of segments, thereby combining the segments.
  • the arrangement 3 of segments is a double-stick arrangement 3, which will later be cut in the middle of the segment 29 comprising the thinner hollow acetate tube 31 to provide two essentially identical mono-sticks.
  • the mono-sticks will be combined with a filter segment, respectively, to form an aerosol-generating article.
  • Fig. 3 shows the combination 7 of arrangements 3 as present in the system 1 upstream of the cutting station 9.
  • the combination 7 of arrangements 3 comprises two arrangements 3 of segments that are arranged consecutively along the longitudinal axis 15 and share a common wrapper 33.
  • the combinations 7 of arrangements 3 of segments are separated at the cutting station 9 into two arrangements 3 of segments, respectively.
  • the arrangements 3 of segments are transferred to a transport wheel 34 downstream of the cutting station 9.
  • the transport wheel 34 rotates about a rotation axis 35 that is parallel to the transport direction 13.
  • the arrangements 3 of segments are received in grooves provided on the outer circumferential surface of the transport wheel 34.
  • the transport wheel 34 transfers the arrangements 3 of segments to another linear conveyor 37.
  • the system 1 is configured to carry out quality control on the arrangements 3 of segments. In particular, the system 1 is configured to determine whether the individual segments are correctly arranged and have the correct length.
  • the system 1 comprises a first measurement station 39 provided upstream of the cutting station 9.
  • the first measurement station 39 carries out a first measurement on the arrangements 3 of segments while the arrangements 3 of segments are conveyed along the transport direction 13.
  • the system 1 further comprises a second measurement station 41 provided downstream of the cutting station 9.
  • the second measurement station 41 is configured to carry out a second measurement on the arrangements 3 of segments, while the arrangements 3 of segments are transported by the transport wheel 34. Measurement data from the first measurement station 39 and measurement data from the second measurement station 41 are transferred to a computing unit 43 of the system 1.
  • the first measurement station 39 detects the susceptor 19 of the aerosol-generating segments 17 by magnetic interaction with the metallic material of the susceptor 19.
  • the first measurement station comprises a magnetic detector 45.
  • Fig. 4 shows a first embodiment of the first measurement station 39.
  • the magnetic detector 45 comprises a detection coil 47 and a measurement device 49 measuring a current flowing through the detection coil 47.
  • the arrangements 3 of segments are conveyed by the linear conveyor 11 through the detection coil 47 along the transport direction 13, that is in parallel to the longitudinal axis 15.
  • the detection coil 47 is powered by a square wave signal.
  • the square wave signal may have a frequency in the range of 100 Kilohertz to 1000 Kilohertz, for example.
  • the magnetic detector 45 is sensitive to the metallic material of the susceptor 19. When an aerosolgenerating segment 17 comprising a metallic susceptor 19 passes through the detection coil 47, the inductance of the detection coil 47 changes. This is measured by measuring the current through the detection coil 47 with the measurement device 49.
  • the start and end of the susceptor 19 along the longitudinal direction 15 may be determined. This may correspond to the start and end positions of the aerosol-generating segments 17.
  • the data from the first measurement station 39 may also be used to determine the length of the individual susceptors 19 or of the individual aerosol-generating segments 17, respectively.
  • Fig. 5 shows a magnetic detector 45 according to a second embodiment.
  • the magnetic detector 45 comprises an excitation coil 51.
  • the excitation coil 51 is powered by a square wave signal.
  • the square wave signal may have a frequency in the range of 100 Kilohertz to 1000 Kilohertz, for example.
  • the arrangements 3 of segments are conveyed through the excitation coil 51 along the transport direction 13, which is parallel to the longitudinal axial 15.
  • the magnetic detector 45 according to the embodiment of Fig. 5 further comprises four detection coils 47.
  • the detection coils 47 are arranged at 90 degrees intervals around the transport direction 13 and are oriented such that the axes around which the detection coils 47 are wound extend perpendicular to the transport direction 13.
  • the currents through the four detection coils 47 are individually monitored. When a susceptor 19 passes between the detection coils 47, the currents in the detection coils 47 change. This allows detecting the position and length of the susceptor 19 and, thus, of the respective aerosol-generating segment 17.
  • Analyzing and comparing the current measurements from the individual detection coils 47 in the embodiment of Fig. 5 further allows determining the orientation of the susceptor 19 within the aerosol-generating segment 17.
  • the current flowing through a first detection coil 47 of a pair of opposing detection coils 47 is greater than a current through the other detection coil 47 of the respective pair of opposing detection coils 47, this may indicate that the susceptor 19 is deviated from a central position in the aerosol-generating segment 17 towards the detection coil 47 with the higher current.
  • Fig. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the second measurement station 41.
  • the grooves in the transport wheel 33 may be formed of transparent material.
  • the second measurement station 41 comprises an optical detector 53.
  • the optical detector 53 comprises a light source 55 provided within the transport wheel 34.
  • the light source 55 emits light towards an arrangement 3 of segments that is received in one of the grooves of the transport wheel 34 that currently faces the light source 55 due to the rotation position of the transport wheel 34.
  • the optical detector 53 further comprises a light detector 57 provided opposite to the light source 55 with respect to the arrangement 3 of segments. Light from the light source 55 is partially transmitted through the arrangement 3 of segments. Depending on the specific material of the individual segments of the arrangement 3 of segments, the transmission ratio of light through the arrangement 3 of segments is different for the individual segments.
  • the light detector 57 records an intensity distribution of the transmitted light along the axial direction 15. Based on different transmittances of the individual segments, the positions of longitudinal ends of at least some of the segments may be determined based on the measurement data recorded by the light detector 57. Further, the length of one or more of the segments may be determined by the data recorded by the light detector 57.
  • the computing device 43 receives measurement data from the first measurement station 39 and measurement data from the second measurement station 41.
  • the computing device 43 evaluates the data from the first measurement station 39 and the second measurement station 41 to determine at least one of the position and length of one or more of the segments of the arrangement 3 of segments.
  • the computing device 43 may compare the information on the position or length of the segments with target data. Based on the comparison, the computing device 43 may determine whether the individual arrangements 3 of segments comply with a quality requirement specification. Based on the comparison by the computing device 43, appropriate steps may be taken, such as removing non-compliant arrangements 3 of segments from the production process, or carrying out maintenance or adjustment work in the respective production line.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Length Measuring Devices By Optical Means (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé pour effectuer une commande de qualité d'un agencement (3) de segments pour des articles de génération d'aérosol. L'agencement (3) de segments comprend au moins deux segments agencés consécutivement le long d'un axe longitudinal (15), chaque segment s'étendant le long de l'axe longitudinal (15) entre deux extrémités longitudinales opposées du segment. Lesdits segments comprennent au moins un segment de génération d'aérosol (17). Ledit segment de génération d'aérosol (17) comprend un matériau de génération d'aérosol (21) et un suscepteur (19). Le suscepteur (19) comprend un matériau métallique pour chauffer le matériau de génération d'aérosol (21). Le procédé comprend la réalisation d'une première mesure comprenant la détection du suscepteur (19) par interaction magnétique avec le matériau métallique du suscepteur (19). Le procédé comprend en outre la réalisation d'une seconde mesure comprenant la détection optique d'au moins une extrémité longitudinale d'au moins l'un des segments.
PCT/EP2023/061890 2022-05-27 2023-05-05 Segments de détection pour articles de génération d'aérosol ayant deux capteurs consécutifs WO2023227348A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP22175858.4 2022-05-27
EP22175858 2022-05-27

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WO2023227348A1 true WO2023227348A1 (fr) 2023-11-30

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102018133156A1 (de) * 2018-12-20 2020-06-25 Hauni Maschinenbau Gmbh Herstellverfahren eines induktiv beheizbaren Tabakproduktes
WO2021105692A1 (fr) * 2019-11-29 2021-06-03 Mprd Ltd Orientation d'un article en forme de tige
WO2021121790A1 (fr) 2019-12-19 2021-06-24 Philip Morris Products S.A. Procédé et système d'analyse optique d'un composant d'un article générant un aérosol
WO2022084404A1 (fr) * 2020-10-21 2022-04-28 Philip Morris Products S.A. Dispositif d'inspection pour le contrôle qualité d'articles en forme de tige

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102018133156A1 (de) * 2018-12-20 2020-06-25 Hauni Maschinenbau Gmbh Herstellverfahren eines induktiv beheizbaren Tabakproduktes
WO2021105692A1 (fr) * 2019-11-29 2021-06-03 Mprd Ltd Orientation d'un article en forme de tige
WO2021121790A1 (fr) 2019-12-19 2021-06-24 Philip Morris Products S.A. Procédé et système d'analyse optique d'un composant d'un article générant un aérosol
WO2022084404A1 (fr) * 2020-10-21 2022-04-28 Philip Morris Products S.A. Dispositif d'inspection pour le contrôle qualité d'articles en forme de tige

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