Equipment for cutting rod-shaped elements

Abstract

The present invention relates to equipment for cutting rod-shaped elements of an aerosol-generating article. The equipment comprises a rotatable shaft and at least four disks. Each disk has a central shaft opening. The shaft extends through the central shaft openings of the disks. The disks are arranged to move along the shaft between variable axial positions. The outer circumference of each disk has a support groove for a rod-shaped element. The equipment further comprises at least one circular knife blade configured to be inserted into a slot formed between two disks. The circular knife blade is configured to move between variable axial positions parallel to the shaft. The circular knife blade is configured to cut a rod-shaped element.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to equipment for cutting rod-shaped elements of aerosol-generating articles. The invention further relates to a method for adjusting the cutting length of the equipment. [Background Art]

[0002] It is known to provide aerosol-generating articles for aerosol-generating devices. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may have a rod shape for insertion of the aerosol-generating article into a cavity (such as a heating chamber) of an aerosol-generating device. A heating element may be arranged in or around the heating chamber to heat the aerosol-forming substrate once the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. For the manufacture of aerosol-generating articles, rods of aerosol-forming substrate, or rods for other components of aerosol-generating articles such as filter elements or cooling sections, are provided as relatively large rods, which are then cut into smaller rod-shaped elements for use in individual aerosol-generating articles. Recently, a wide variety of aerosol-generating articles have been developed compatible with various aerosol-generating devices. The individual rod-shaped elements of these aerosol-generating articles may have different lengths.

[0003] It is desirable to have equipment for cutting rod-shaped elements of aerosol-generating articles. It is desirable to have equipment for cutting rod-shaped elements of aerosol-generating articles with improved cutting of the rod-shaped elements. It is desirable to have equipment for cutting rod-shaped elements of aerosol-generating articles that has an option for easily changing the cutting length for the rod-shaped elements. It is desirable to have a method for adjusting the cutting length of the equipment. [Summary of Invention]

[0004] According to embodiments of the present invention, equipment is provided for cutting rod-shaped elements of an aerosol-generating article. The equipment may include a shaft. The shaft may extend along the longitudinal axis of the equipment. The shaft may be configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis. The equipment may include at least four disks. Each disk may have a central shaft opening. The shaft may extend through the central shaft opening of the disks. The disks may be arranged to move between variable axial positions along the shaft. The outer circumference of each disk may have a support groove for a rod-shaped element. The equipment may include at least one circular knife blade configured to be inserted into a slot formed between two disks. The circular knife blade may be arranged to move between variable axial positions parallel to the shaft. The circular knife blade may be configured to cut a rod-shaped element.

[0005] According to embodiments of the present invention, equipment is provided for cutting rod-shaped elements of an aerosol-generating article. The equipment comprises a shaft, which extends along the longitudinal axis of the equipment. The shaft is configured to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The equipment comprises at least four disks, each disk having a central shaft opening. The shaft extends through the central shaft openings of the disks. The disks are arranged to be movable between variable axial positions along the shaft. The outer circumference of each disk has a support groove for a rod-shaped element. The equipment comprises at least one circular knife blade configured to be inserted into a slot formed between two disks. The circular knife blade is arranged to be movable between variable axial positions parallel to the shaft. The circular knife blade is configured to cut a rod-shaped element.

[0006] An improved cutting of a rod-shaped element may be provided by providing equipment for cutting a rod-shaped element of an aerosol-generating article comprising at least four disks arranged to be movable between variable axial positions along a shaft. Alternatively, equipment may be provided that offers the option to easily change the cutting length for the rod-shaped element.

[0007] The rod-shaped element may be tubular. The rod-shaped element may be cylindrical. The rod-shaped element may be elongated. The rod-shaped element may have a length greater than its diameter, measured in the direction along the long axis of the equipment. The rod-shaped element may be wound in wrapping paper and comprise a filter material that constitutes a filter element, preferably consisting of these. Alternatively, the rod-shaped element may be wound in wrapping paper and comprise an aerosol-forming substrate that constitutes a base portion, preferably consisting of these. Alternatively, the rod-shaped element may be wound in wrapping paper and comprise a hollow tubular acetate tow that constitutes a cooling section, preferably consisting of these.

[0008] The shaft may be tubular. The shaft may be cylindrical. The shaft may be elongated. The shaft may have a length greater than its diameter, measured along the longitudinal axis of the equipment. The shaft may have a circular cross-section. The shaft may have a cubic cross-section. The shaft may have a triangular cross-section. The shaft may have a hexagonal cross-section. The shaft may have a cross-section with n edges, where n is an integer from 1 to 12. The shaft may contain metal. The shaft may consist of metal in essence. The shaft may be made from metal. The shaft may be configured to allow multiple disks to be mounted on the shaft. The shaft may be configured to allow multiple disks to be mounted on the shaft parallel to the axial direction. The shaft may be rotated by a motor. The shaft may be connected to a motor.

[0009] Each disc may have a tubular shape. The hollow interior of each disc may be formed by its respective central shaft opening. Each disc may have a round shape. Each disc may have a thickness less than its diameter. Each disc may be made of metal. Each disc may be configured to be mounted on a shaft. Each disc may be configured to be mounted next to another disc.

[0010] Each central shaft opening may have a shape that matches the cross-section of the shaft. The area of ​​the cross-section of the shaft opening may be approximately the same as the area of ​​the cross-section of the shaft. The area of ​​the cross-section of the shaft opening may be 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 percent larger than the area of ​​the cross-section of the shaft. Each central shaft opening may have a circular cross-section. Each central shaft opening may have a rectangular cross-section. Each central shaft opening may have a triangular shape. Each central shaft opening may have a hexagonal shape. Each central shaft opening may have a shape with n edges, where n is an integer from 1 to 12. Each central shaft opening may have an outer diameter greater than the thickness parallel to the long axis of the shaft.

[0011] Each support groove may have a semicircular cross-section. Each support groove may have a diameter smaller than that of the disk. The inner diameter of each support groove may correspond to the outer diameter of the rod-shaped element. Each support groove may be configured to support the rod-shaped element, thereby holding the rod-shaped element within the support groove during cutting. In other words, each support groove may be configured to support the rod-shaped element, thereby preventing the rod-shaped element from moving relative to the outer circumference of the disk during cutting. The semicircular cross-section of each support groove may allow for the insertion of the rod-shaped element into each support groove and the removal of the rod-shaped element from each support groove.

[0012] The circular knife blade may have a disc shape. The circular knife blade may have a smooth blade. The circular knife blade may have a serrated blade. The circular knife blade may be arranged to cut a rod-shaped element transversely. The diameter of the circular knife blade may extend transversely with respect to the shaft. The diameter of the circular knife blade may extend transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the equipment. The circular knife blade may be rotatably arranged. The circular knife blade may be rotatably arranged around its central longitudinal axis. The central longitudinal axis of the circular knife blade may be parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the shaft. The central longitudinal axis of the circular knife blade may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the equipment.

[0013] A slot may be formed between two adjacent disks. The apparatus may have at least three slots formed between four disks. Any second slot formed between two disks may be configured for the insertion of a circular knife blade. Any other slot formed between two disks may be configured as a slot without a knife. Any slot configured for the insertion of a circular knife blade may be surrounded by two slots without knives. Therefore, in the case of four disks, the apparatus has three slots, the central slot being configured for the insertion of a circular knife blade, and the two surrounding outer slots being slots without knives.

[0014] The apparatus may comprise a series of discs. The apparatus may comprise at least two end discs configured to support the ends of a long, uncut rod-shaped element. The apparatus may comprise two end discs configured to support the ends of a long, uncut rod-shaped element. The apparatus may further comprise a pair of discs. The pair of discs may form a slot into which a circular knife blade may be inserted. The circular knife blade may be inserted when the shaft and longitudinal axis of the circular knife blade are positioned at a distance that can cut the rod-shaped element. The apparatus may comprise a pair of discs for making each cut. The apparatus may comprise a disc below each end of the rod-shaped element to be cut. Slots without knives may not be configured for the insertion of a circular knife blade. A portion of the rod-shaped element adjacent to a slot without a knife may not be cut. Slots without knives may be provided to vary the distance between adjacent discs in order to change the cutting length for the rod to be cut.

[0015] A slot configured for inserting a circular knife blade may have a smaller width than a slot without a knife. In other words, the distance between a pair of disks may be smaller than the distance between two pairs of disks. Again, in other words, the slot between a pair of disks may be smaller than a slot without a knife.

[0016] Configuring any second slot formed between the two disks for the insertion of a circular knife blade may provide a disk beneath the adjacent ends of the cut segments after the rod-shaped element has been cut. Configuring a slot with a circular knife blade smaller than the slot without a circular knife blade may help the rod-shaped element sustain the cutting pressure of the circular knife blade. Configuring a slot without a knife larger than the slot for the insertion of a circular knife blade may provide space for the disk to move along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The axial length of the slot without a knife may vary according to the cut length of the cut rod-shaped element. The axial width of the two disks and the axial length of the slot without a knife may define the length of the cut rod-shaped element.

[0017] The circular knife blade may be configured to rotate. The shaft may be configured to rotate in one direction, and the circular knife blade may be configured to rotate in both directions.

[0018] By configuring the circular knife blade to be rotatable, it may be possible to cut a rod-shaped element transversely. The rotation of the shaft and the circular knife blade in opposite directions may help to secure the rod-shaped element within the support groove of the disc.

[0019] The shaft may have a tongue-shaped portion extending parallel to its longitudinal axis. Each disc may have a groove. The discs may be mounted on the tongue-shaped portion to prevent relative rotation between the shaft and the discs. The tongue-shaped portion may be formed integrally with the shaft. The tongue-shaped portion may be separated from the shaft. The tongue-shaped portion of the shaft and the grooves of the discs may have matching shapes.

[0020] The tongue-shaped portion may be disposed on the circular outer circumference of the shaft in a different manner. Each disc may be mounted on the tongue-shaped portion by engagement of the respective groove of the disc with the tongue-shaped portion of the shaft. A snug mounting of each disc on the shaft may be facilitated in this way. The tongue-shaped portion may have a rectangular cross-section. The tongue-shaped portion may be made of metal. The tongue-shaped portion may be solid. The tongue-shaped portion may be configured as a projection. The tongue-shaped portion may be attached to the outer circumference of the shaft. The tongue-shaped portion may have a fixed cross-sectional shape. The tongue-shaped portion may be any projection component on the shaft configured to mount the discs to the shaft. The tongue-shaped portion may be formed by a plurality of separate projections disposed on the shaft. The tongue-shaped portion may be formed by a plurality of screw holes on the shaft configured to mount the discs by grab screws. At one end, one or both of the shaft and the tongue-shaped portion may have a stopper to prevent the disc from being pressed onto the end of the shaft. The stopper may be configured as a projection extending radially across one or both of the shaft and the tongue-shaped portion.

[0021] Providing tongue-shaped portions parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft can help align the disks in the same orientation relative to each other. The longitudinal axis of the shaft may be the same as the longitudinal central axis of the shaft.

[0022] Providing a tongue-shaped portion parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft may result in a predefined arrangement of all disks. Providing a tongue-shaped portion parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft may result in the correct angular position of the disks. Providing a tongue-shaped portion parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft may result in the mounting of the disks to the shaft at the correct angular position.

[0023] The apparatus may comprise 2n disks to provide n cut rod-shaped elements from a single rod, where N is at least an integer of 2. In other words, the apparatus may comprise two disks to make each cut. The apparatus may comprise at least two end disks and at least two paired disks to provide at least two cut rod-shaped elements. Additional pairs of disks may be added for each further cut.

[0024] The apparatus may comprise n-1 circular knife blades and 2n disks, where N is at least an integer of 2. In other words, each circular knife blade may be inserted into a slot between two pairs of disks. The apparatus may further comprise two end disks.

[0025] The apparatus may comprise 2n disks and n-1 circular knives for providing n cut rod-shaped elements, where n is at least an integer of 2. The disks may surround 2n-1 slots. The apparatus may also comprise n-1 slots configured for inserting circular knife blades and n slots without knives.

[0026] Providing 2n discs for cutting n number of cut rod-shaped elements may involve providing at least one disc under each expected end of a cut segment to hold the cut segments in a groove after cutting. Providing 2n discs for cutting n number of cut rod-shaped elements may also involve sustaining the cutting pressure with a circular knife blade.

[0027] The support groove of the disc may be matched with the diameter of the rod-shaped element. Providing a disc support groove matching the diameter of the rod-shaped element may provide a predefined destination for an uncut rod-shaped element. Providing a disc support groove matching the diameter of the rod-shaped element may provide fixation of the rod-shaped element for the cutting process.

[0028] Each disc may be individually provided with a fixing means. The fixing means may comprise a projection configured to fix the disc to one or both of a shaft and a tongue by means of a screw. Each disc may be provided with at least one fixing means. The fixing means may be mounted on the first side wall of each disc. The first side wall may be a proximal side wall or a distal side wall in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The opposite second side wall of each disc may not be provided with any fixing means. The fixing means may comprise a projection. The fixing means may be mounted adjacent to the central shaft opening of the disc. Paired discs may be arranged on the shaft such that they do not have any fixing means inside the slot provided for the circular knife blade.

[0029] By providing discs each with a fixing means, the discs may be fixable relative to the longitudinal position of the shaft. By providing a projection, the disc may be fixed to the shaft by a screw at a predefined longitudinal position.

[0030] The projection may be an element extending transversely to the diameter of the disc. The projection may be a cubic element. The projection may be a semicircular element. The projection may have a hole configured for a screw to pass through. The projection may be arranged adjacent to the central shaft opening of the disc.

[0031] Each disc may be provided with a fastening means. The fastening means may include at least one pin means, which is a cotter pin, a split pin, or an R-clip, and one or both of the shaft and the tongue portion have a mating hole configured for predefined positioning of the disc by the fastening means. The pin may be configured to fasten the disc. The pin may be disposed through a hole in the projection. The pin may be disposed transversely to the shaft. The pin may connect the disc to one or both of the shaft and the tongue portion. The pin may preferably be disposed such that one or both of the shaft and the tongue portion provide a mating hole. The pin may be aligned through the shaft. The pin may connect the shaft to the projection of the disc. The mating hole may be configured to mark a position on one or both of the shaft and the tongue portion. The mating hole may be configured to position the disc by the pin at a predefined position.

[0032] Precise fastening of the disc on one or both of the shaft and the tongue portion may be provided by providing at least one of a pinning mechanism, a cotter pin, a split pin, or an R-clip. By providing a mating hole, the disc may be precisely fastened in a predetermined position on at least one of the shaft and the tongue portion. Each disc may be provided with a fastening mechanism. Each fastening mechanism may be provided with a toggle button. The toggle button may be provided with a pin and a push-release button. The push-release button may be configured to attach and detach the pin from the fastening mechanism. The push-release button may be located at one end of the longitudinal axis of the pin. By pressing the push-release button, the pin may be switched between an attached configuration and a detached configuration. The push-release button may be located on the upper portion of the pin. The push-release button may be accessible in any configuration.

[0033] By providing a fixing mechanism for a pin that includes a push-release button, the pin may be easily switched between an attached configuration and a detached configuration.

[0034] The disk may comprise a ferromagnetic material. The shaft may comprise a magnet, preferably a flat electromagnet. The electromagnet may be configured to fix the disk. The shaft may comprise a flat magnet arranged around the shaft. The magnet may be configured to be switchable between an on configuration and an off configuration. The shaft may comprise a controller configured to switch the flat magnet between a configuration on and an off configuration. The disk may comprise a ferromagnetic material arranged around a central shaft opening.

[0035] By providing a shaft having a flat magnet and a disk made of a ferromagnetic material, the disk may be magnetically mounted and detached by switching the magnet between an on configuration and an off configuration. By providing a controller configured to switch the flat magnet between an on configuration and an off configuration, the equipment may be able to magnetically mount and detach the disk.

[0036] The apparatus may include a supply hopper configured to supply rod-shaped elements into support grooves in the disc. The supply hopper may be located above the shaft containing the disc. The supply hopper may store the rod-shaped elements before cutting. The rod-shaped elements may fall by gravity from the supply hopper into the grooves formed by the disc. The supply hopper may supply one rod into each groove formed by the disc.

[0037] By providing a supply hopper configured to supply rod-shaped elements to support grooves in a disc, the storage of rod-shaped elements may be automatically supplied to grooves in a cutting machine.

[0038] According to the present invention, a method for adjusting the cutting length of equipment is provided. The method may include the steps of moving a disk axially between a first disk position and a second disk position, and moving a circular knife blade axially between a first blade position and a second blade position.

[0039] The equipment may include a receiving drum having adjustable support grooves configured to receive cut rod-shaped elements.

[0040] According to the present invention, a method for adjusting the cutting length of equipment is provided. The method includes the steps of moving a disk axially between a first disk position and a second disk position, and moving a circular knife blade axially between a first blade position and a second blade position.

[0041] By providing a method for adjusting the cutting length of equipment, which includes the steps of moving a disk axially between a first disk position and a second disk position, and moving a circular knife blade axially between a first blade position and a second blade position, the cutting length of a rod-shaped element may be easily changed between different predetermined settings. The cutting length may be different for all segments made from a single rod. The method may also include moving at least two circular knife blades between a first blade position and a second blade position, thereby changing the distance between the circular knife blades between the first blade position and the second blade position.

[0042] As used herein, the term “rod-shaped element” refers to an element configured for use in an aerosol-generating article. A rod-shaped element may be a filter plug. A rod-shaped element may be a substrate section. A rod-shaped element may be a cooling section.

[0043] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating article” refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate having the ability to release volatile compounds capable of forming aerosols. For example, an aerosol-generating article may be a smoking article that generates an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user’s mouth. An aerosol-generating article may be disposable.

[0044] The aerosol-generating article may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially elongated. The aerosol-generating article may have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to that length. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially rod-shaped. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially elongated. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to that length. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially rod-shaped.

[0045] The aerosol generating article may have an overall length of approximately 30 mm to approximately 100 mm. The aerosol generating article may have an outer diameter of approximately 5 mm to approximately 12 mm. The aerosol generating article may be equipped with a filter plug. The filter plug may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol generating article. The filter plug may be a cellulose acetate filter plug. In one embodiment, the filter plug is approximately 7 mm long, but may have a length of approximately 5 mm to approximately 10 mm.

[0046] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating article has a total length of approximately 45 mm. The aerosol generating article may have an outer diameter of approximately 7.2 mm. Furthermore, the aerosol forming substrate may have a length of approximately 10 mm. Alternatively, the aerosol forming substrate may have a length of approximately 12 mm. Furthermore, the diameter of the aerosol forming substrate may be approximately 5 mm to approximately 12 mm. The aerosol generating article may be provided with an external paper wrapper. Furthermore, the aerosol generating article may be provided with a separation section between the aerosol forming substrate and the filter plug. The separation section may be approximately 18 mm, but may be in the range of approximately 5 mm to approximately 25 mm.

[0047] As used herein, the term “aerosol-forming substrate” refers to a substrate having the ability to release one or more volatile compounds that can form aerosols. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. Conveniently, the aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article or a smoking article.

[0048] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain a tobacco-containing material that contains volatile tobacco-flavored compounds released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain non-tobacco materials. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain an aerosol-forming agent that facilitates the formation of a high-density and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol-forming agents include glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0049] The aerosol-generating article may be configured to be inserted into an aerosol generator and heated by the aerosol generator. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0050] [Figure 1] This shows a 3D diagram of equipment for cutting rod-shaped elements. [Figure 2] A 3D diagram of the shaft and the two discs is shown. [Figure 3] This shows a 3D diagram of a shaft arranged using six movable disks. [Figure 4] A side view of a device with six disks is shown. [Figure 5] A side view of a device with four disks is shown. [Figure 6] A side view of a device with six disks is shown. [Figure 7] A 3D diagram is shown of the shaft and the two discs equipped with screw mounting fixtures. [Figure 8] A 3D diagram is shown of the shaft and the two disks equipped with magnetic mounting devices. [Figure 9] The image shows two discs with toggle buttons, one in an installed configuration and the other in a removed configuration. [Figure 10] The image shows the toggle button in both the installed and removed configurations, and the pair of discs attached to the shaft and tongue-shaped portion by the toggle button. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0051] A non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. One or more features of these embodiments may be combined with one or more features of any of the features described above, for example, one or more features of other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.

[0052] Example 1. Equipment for cutting rod-shaped elements of an aerosol-generating article, A shaft, which extends along the longitudinal axis of the equipment and is configured to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis, At least four disks, each having a central shaft opening, a shaft extending through the central shaft opening of the disk, the disks being arranged to move along the shaft between variable axial positions, and the outer circumference of each disk having support grooves for rod-shaped elements, A device comprising: at least one circular knife blade configured to be inserted into a slot formed between two disks, the circular knife blade being movably disposed between variable axial positions parallel to a shaft, and configured to cut rod-shaped elements.

[0053] Example 2. The apparatus according to Example 1, wherein any second slot formed between the two disks is configured for the insertion of a circular knife blade.

[0054] Example 3. The apparatus according to Example 2, wherein all other slots are configured as slots without knives.

[0055] Example 4. An apparatus according to Example 2 or 3, wherein the slot configured for inserting a circular knife blade has a smaller width than the slot without any circular knife blade.

[0056] Example 5. Equipment according to any of the preceding embodiments, in which a circular knife blade is configured to be rotatable.

[0057] Example 6. An apparatus according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the shaft is configured to rotate in one direction and the circular knife blade is configured to rotate in both directions.

[0058] Example 7. An apparatus according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the shaft further comprises a tongue-shaped portion extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and the disks each have grooves, and the disks are mounted on the tongue-shaped portion to prevent relative rotation between the shaft and the disks.

[0059] Example 8. The apparatus according to Example 7, wherein the tongue-shaped portion is integrally formed with the shaft.

[0060] Example 9. An apparatus according to any of the preceding embodiments, comprising 2n disks, where n is an integer of at least 2, to provide n number of cut rod-shaped elements from a single rod.

[0061] Example 10. An apparatus according to any of the prior embodiments, comprising n-1 circular knife blades and 2n disks, where n is an integer of at least 2.

[0062] Example 11. An apparatus according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the support groove of the disc matches the diameter of the rod-shaped element.

[0063] Example 12. An apparatus according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein each disc is provided with a fixing means, the fixing means having a projection configured to fix the disc to one or both of the shaft and / or a tongue-shaped portion by screws.

[0064] Example 13. An apparatus according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein each disc comprises a fixing means, the fixing means comprising at least one of a pin, a cotter pin, a split pin, or an R clip, and one or both of the shaft and / or tongue-shaped portion comprises a fitting hole configured for a predefined positioning of the disc by the fixing means.

[0065] Example 14. An apparatus according to any of the prior embodiments, wherein each disc is equipped with a fixing means, each fixing means is equipped with a toggle button, and each toggle button is equipped with a pin and a push-release button.

[0066] Example 15. An apparatus according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the disk contains a ferromagnetic material, the shaft comprises a magnet, preferably a flat electromagnet, and the electromagnet is configured for fixing the disk.

[0067] Example 16. Apparatus according to any of the prior embodiments, further comprising a supply hopper configured to supply rod-shaped elements to support grooves of a disc.

[0068] Example 17. An apparatus according to any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a receiving drum having an adjustable support groove configured to receive a cut rod-shaped element.

[0069] Example 18. A method for adjusting the cutting length of equipment according to any of the prior embodiments, wherein the method is - A step of moving the disk axially between a first disk position and a second disk position, A method comprising the step of moving a circular knife blade axially between a first blade position and a second blade position.

[0070] Example 19. The method according to Example 18, comprising moving at least two circular knife blades between a first blade position and a second blade position, thereby changing the distance between the circular knife blades between the first blade position and the second blade position.

[0071] Features described in relation to one embodiment may be equally applicable to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0072] The present invention will be further described with reference to the attached drawings, for illustrative purposes only.

[0073] Figure 1 shows a 3D view of equipment 10 for cutting rod-shaped elements 18 of an aerosol-generating article. Equipment 10 comprises a shaft 12, six discs 14, and two circular knife blades 24 and 24' mounted on knife shafts 22 and 22'. The shaft 12 is configured to rotate in direction 16. The knife shafts 22 and 22' are each configured to rotate in both directions around the longitudinal axis of the knife shaft. The circular knife blades 24 and 24' are configured to cut the rod-shaped elements 18 into cutting segments 20. Equipment 10 is not limited to the presence of six discs 14. Equipment 10 comprises 2n discs 14 and n-1 knife blades 24 to provide n cut rod-shaped elements 20.

[0074] Figure 2 shows a 3D view of the shaft 12 and tongue-shaped portion 26 configured to extend through the central shaft opening 32 of discs 14 and 14'. The tongue-shaped portion 26 is configured to extend through grooves 28 of discs 14 and 14'. Discs 14 and 14' are configured to be positioned at variable positions on the shaft 12.

[0075] Figure 3 shows six discs 14 arranged on the shaft 12 and the tongue-shaped portion 26. The tongue-shaped portion 26 is configured to prevent relative rotation between the shaft 12 and the discs 14. The six discs 14 comprise two end discs 36 and 36' and two paired discs. The end discs 36 and 36' are configured as single discs for supporting the ends of the rod-shaped element 18. The paired discs 38 and 38' form a slot 34 for the insertion of a circular knife blade. The paired discs 38 and 38' are configured to support the new ends of the plug produced by the cutting.

[0076] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional side view of the apparatus 10 having six discs. The end disc 36 and the paired disc 38 are arranged on the shaft 12. The paired discs 38 and 38' form slots 34 and 34' for the insertion of a circular knife blade 24. The apparatus 10 includes a first cutting zone 40 where the first cut is performed. The apparatus includes a second cutting zone 42 where the second cut is performed. A rod-shaped element 18 is provided in a support groove 30. The rod-shaped element 18 is cut into three segments 20.

[0077] Figure 5 shows a side view of the equipment 10. A shaft 12 having length S is mounted on an engine 44. The engine 44 is configured to rotate the shaft 12. The shaft 12 is shown having four discs. To provide two cut segments 20, the shaft 12 is configured to have two end discs 36 and 36', as well as a pair of discs 38. A rod-shaped element 18 having length L is cut into two cut segments 20 having length L / 2.

[0078] Figure 6 shows a side view of the equipment 10. A shaft 12 having length S is mounted on an engine 44. The engine 44 is configured to rotate the shaft 12. The shaft 12 is shown having six discs. To provide three cut segments 20, the shaft 12 is configured to have two end discs 36 and 36', as well as two pairs of discs 38 and 38'. A rod-shaped element 18 having length L is cut into three segments 20 having length L / 3.

[0079] Figure 7 shows a 3D view of a shaft 12 and two disks 14 equipped with screw mounts 48. Each disk 14 has a projection 46, which has a hole 50. The screws 48 are fastened through the holes 50 to attach the disks 14 to the shaft 12.

[0080] Figure 8 shows a 3D view of a shaft 12 and two disks 14 equipped with magnetic mounts. The shaft 12 includes a flat electromagnet 54. The flat electromagnet 54 is configured to apply a magnetic field 52. Each disk 14 includes a ferromagnetic layer 56 configured to attach the disk 14 to the shaft 12 by the electric field 52.

[0081] Figure 9 shows the attachment of the disc 14 by the toggle button 58. The disc 14 has a protrusion 46. The toggle button 58 is configured to attach the disc 14 to the shaft 12 by connecting the protrusion at the tongue-shaped portion 26.

[0082] Figure 10 shows a toggle button 58 in an installed and detached configuration, and a pair of discs 38 attached to the shaft 12 and tongue-shaped portion 26 by the toggle button 58. The toggle button 58 includes a pin 62, which is configured to be switched between an installed and detached position by a push-release button 60. The push-release button 60 includes a zigzag groove 64 and an arm 68. A spring 66 biases the push-release button 60. The push-release button is configured to be set in two different positions for installing and detaching the discs 14. The toggle button 58 is located outside the slot 34 formed between the pair of discs 38.

Claims

1. Equipment for cutting rod-shaped elements of an aerosol-generating article, A shaft, which extends along the longitudinal axis of the equipment and is configured to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis, At least four disks, each having a central shaft opening, the shaft extending through the central shaft opening of the disk, the disks being movably disposed along the shaft between variable axial positions, and the outer circumference of each disk having support grooves for the rod-shaped element, A device comprising: at least one circular knife blade configured to be inserted into a slot formed between two disks, the circular knife blade being movably disposed between variable axial positions parallel to the shaft, and configured to cut the rod-shaped element.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein any second slot formed between the two disks is configured for the insertion of the circular knife blade.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein all other slots are configured as slots without knives.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the slot configured for inserting the circular knife blade has a smaller width than the slot that does not have any circular knife blade.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the shaft further comprises a tongue-shaped portion extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and the disks each have grooves, and the disks are mounted on the tongue-shaped portion to prevent relative rotation between the shaft and the disks.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the tongue-shaped portion is integrally formed with the shaft.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising 2n disks, where n is at least an integer of 2, for providing n number of cut rod-shaped elements from a single rod.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising n-1 circular knife blades and 2n disks, where n is an integer of at least 2.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the support groove of the disk matches the diameter of the rod-shaped element.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each of the disks is provided with a fixing means, and the fixing means is provided with a projection configured to fix the disk to one or both of the shaft and the tongue-shaped portion by screw.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each of the discs is provided with a fixing means, the fixing means comprising at least one of a pin, a cotter pin, a split pin, and an R-clip, and one or both of the shaft and the tongue-shaped portion are provided with a fitting hole configured for a predetermined position of the disc by the fixing means.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein each of the disks is provided with a fixing means, each of the fixing means is provided with a toggle button, and each of the toggle buttons is provided with a pin and a push-release button.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a receiving drum having an adjustable support groove configured to receive the cut rod-shaped element.

14. A method for adjusting the cutting length of equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the method is - A step of moving the disk axially between a first disk position and a second disk position, A method comprising the step of moving the circular knife blade axially between a first blade position and a second blade position.

15. The method according to claim 14, comprising moving at least two circular knife blades between the first blade position and the second blade position, thereby changing the distance between the circular knife blades between the first blade position and the second blade position.

Images